I have been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer that has spread to my spine. I am still awaiting a bone scan but trying to focus on being positive. I was hoping to have a tiny tattoo telling me to keep going and all my friends would like to have the same. Are tattoos a good idea whilst I’m waiting for a treatment plan or could it cause a problem?
2 Likes
Sorry about you situation and I really don’t know the answer I would ask tattooist how long healing would take and see if you could do it before anything starts. At least is giving you a little joy and boost and we all need that from time to time . All the best in your new journey take care xx
1 Like
Hello im a year into secondary diagnosis to hips, spine and rib.
Had radiotherapy last year so its now gone in spine and rib.
I was going to get a tattoo last year over a scar from breast cancer radiotherapy and got the ok fir after id had treatment but backed out as im a woos.
Would love to go for it just need to get the nerve.
Speak to your nurse, and a tattooist.
1 Like
Think carefully where you get the tattoo. You may need radiotherapy and they will need to put tattoo markings on the area to be treated.
Obviously stay away from the arm on the cancer side for fear of lymphoedema. There is also a small chance that tattoo pigment can show up on mammograms as a false positive.
1 Like
Hello Vic,
Thank you for your post.
We would always suggest speaking to your treatment team about when would be the best time for you to get a tattoo. As @RainyDay7, @lilo1973 and @clarky say it is important to be aware of the risks so that you can talk this through with your breast care nurse or treatment team.
At times like this, some people find it helpful to talk with others who are going through a similar experience. We have a secondary breast cancer online discussion forum including a private chat group for sharing information and support. There is also a weekly Live chat session which runs on Tuesdays at 8.30-9.30pm.
We also provide a number of different services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support online and face-to-face. These include Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer Online groups facilitated by trained counsellors and speakers live sessions. Our face to face Living with Secondary Breast Cancer groups meet up monthly and also give you the chance to connect with and share experiences with other people who understand what you’re going through.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Sonia
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.
1 Like