Invisible Localization Tattoos.....esp in Northeastern US

Options
JellyShoes
JellyShoes Member Posts: 68
edited July 2015 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi!

I will be starting radiation therapy in August. I really, really object to having permanent visible reminders of my breast cancer treatment. I am still hoping to get tattoos done with invisible ink rather than the standard blue or black ink. (Yes, I do have great faith that my lumpectomy and SNB scars will fade and be tiny in time.....and that requires faith at the moment for sure!!)

Does anyone know of any practice in the northeastern US where they offer invisible ink as an option? I met with a radiation oncologist today, and although he was sympathetic to how I felt, he did not believe he could get this type of ink adopted by his practice/hospital in time for my tattoos in early August. If you know of anywhere that offers this option, especially Boston or north into NH, that would be a huge help to me!!

Thanks so much for all of your help, past, present and future!! This forum is really important to me, even though this is my first post in years. I've been pretty overwhelmed so far since my diagnosis in May, but I'm glad surgery is behind me at least!! I hope that we all find strength, peace and healing!!

All of my best,

Sue

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Midgiemoon
    Midgiemoon Member Posts: 174
    edited July 2015

    Hi,

    I was in your shoes, and I very much wanted to avoid the tattoos. My center offered only the blue ink, or the option of wearing stickers for the duration. Well, after having stickers on for a few weeks that bothered my skin, I went ahead with the tattoos yesterday. I can not see them, they are so small. I have three, one between the breasts and one on each side. After I had them done, Irealized I got myself worked up over something that turned out to be not such a big deal.

    I am 5 treatments in out if 33, and at this point, I want my techs to have an easy time with me. So far so good.

    If you can talk to your nurse, maybe she can have someone like me get in touch with you.

    Wishing you well,

    ~Miidgie


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited July 2015

    Navy blue here. They suck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 208sandy
    208sandy Member Posts: 2,610
    edited July 2015

    Don't know if they offer it where you are but there are PS's that will laser the tats off after treatment for free. I had the stickers because my onc's practice wouldn't do the tats - they'd had too many upset patients - I had no problem with the stickers but that's just me. Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited July 2015
    I , too, wanted to avoid the tattoos and I have had the stickers since 6/17 with no problems. The techs check them for lifting and replace as needed but so far it's only 2 that have been replaced. I also have extras to use if needed over the weekends.

    I shower daily, use lotion, etc., and the stickers remain!

    I'd encourage you to ask for them.

    Please join the Summer 2015 Radiation thread if you'd like. You'll find lots of support and tips there.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited July 2015

    I only let them tattoo the sides and they had stickers in the front plus they used my birth mark as a marker. Only one sticker had to be replaced. Don't do the tattoos if you don't want to. We have had enough misery and do not need any more constant reminders of what we have been through.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories