Hi, I’m interested to know if anyone has refused the small tattoos for radiotherapy and what is offered as an alternative?
Thanks
I asked my oncologist if there was an alternative and was told that there wasn’t at the centres within this service. I really don’t like the idea but have just decided it’s yet another bloody ´gift´ that breast cancer gives you…
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I hated the idea of the tattoos and thought they would be a permanent reminder. I asked my oncologist if there was an alternative and told there wasn’t, at least not in the hospital where I was treated. I was gutted at the time and even looked into laser removal before they were done. In all honesty, since they’ve been there I’ve pretty much forgotten about them. They’re really tiny and not noticeable unless looking for them. x
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Its largely an emotional respose at the time, and somehow makes you feel ‘branded’ forever - and annoyed that semi-permanent options are not available. However, as mentioned, down the line you forget about it and it pales to insignificance. It doesn’t seem necessary to have to put people through it. Most people wound only ever do a maximum of 4 weeks radiotherapy, seems unnecessary.
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I agree, but my oncologist did also say something interesting. He said they use permanent markings so they can use them in the future if needed. I was a little surprised by that as I was under the impression you can only have radiotherapy once so a mastectomy would be the only option if I ever do have a recurrence. He said it depends and some people can/do have radiotherapy more than once. The radiotherapy person (sorry, not sure of their job title) also said the same.
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I always wondered about that - I was given the impression I could only have it once but if the need were to arise I would be asking as I only had 26 gy over 5 days whereas others have had a significantly higher dose and probably double what I had already. One of my tattoos seems to have disappeared though and the others have never bothered me .xx
I had 48 Grays over 19 days, so doubtful I’d be offered any more. Not convinced its about future possibilities, bodies change over time and would always need re-measuring. Don’t see how a temporary tat each time radiotherapy is ever needed would be an issue. I suspect its the usual case of people who decide how things are organised have never been through it themselves, so don’t understand or consider the emotions it chucks up for people. Took the obvious option years ago and lethargic about bringing about possible change as its unimportant for them logistically.
Hello, I had them, they are absolutely minute. I had completely forgotten about them and I doubt I could find them if I looked. They are needed for accuracy, radiology is based on extreme precision. They wouldn"t do the tattoos if they didn’t need them. I hope you can feel reassured that they are very insignificant post treatment x
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Hi
Some trusts use a pen a bit like a big marker pen, sometimes clips are used it depends on the radiotherapy and the oncology and recommendations
The blue tattoo dots are less than 1mm and like most permanent tattoos they fade over time into almost nothing
If you’re worried ask about alternatives but i assure you i wear my 3 dots with pride ( you’ve got to really search for them 2 years on) alongside my surgery scar
I’m alive and well and despite the numerous ups and downs of treatment and adjuvant treatments I’m very grateful for the care all my teams took to give me this outcome
If you have questions, fears or want more information please ask your team, the nurses here or your own team
Good luck
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Well, I’m feeling pretty UNlucky, then. The girlie marking me jogged her hand and made a small scratch into which the ink bled. I now have a 4mm x 3mm blue/black blot right in the centre of my chest. Great. It’s probably one of the most triggering reminders for me.
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I am really sorry about that . I’m “lucky “ that mine is between my cleavage , so it’s not obvious. I do have a lot of moles but even so , it’s a different colour . You can get them removed or tattooed to match if you have moles .
A year on , still thinking about removal . If you were unfortunate to have more radiotherapy , it’s possible that it’s because of new BC in a different place .
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That is unlucky I’m sorry you’ve been left with such a visible reminder xx
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I have a horrible mark off centre between the breasts and it annoys me because it could have been smaller like the ones no-one can see. It’s blue so looks like a blackhead.
The person who said they can use them again if you needed more radiotherapy is completely wrong.
I had 33 sessions 5 years ago to underarm but when I had a recurrence and needed stereotactic to my spine I needed new tatts on my hips and stomach, previous ones were a hindrance. Part of the same treatment was to the ribs and they needed to do another lot as I was in a different position. I’m up to 10 tattoos currently.
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Yes - the idea that you can use them again makes no sense to me if only for the fact that our bodies change so much anyway . So sorry that you are in the position you are in currently xx
I was advised there was no alternative, two of the three I had done are virtually invisible, the one in between my breasts is more prominent but whenever I see it I think of it as part of me and even joke about the fact I have a tattoo which no-one would guess. I use it as a positive of how strong minded I was getting through it all and surviving, a bit like a battle scar.
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Apologies, it seems I did not explain myself properly. The oncologist didn’t say they could simply use them again as they are, he said they are used as markers for where previous treatments had been administered as part of the planning for any in the future. My surprise was at radiotherapy being an option again for some people. I’m sorry to have caused any confusion.
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I see . Yes it is confusing xx
@MistyK
Try cover up or camouflage make up if ot affects you
Thanks for the suggestion. Hiding it not so much the issue, since I’m not really embarrassed by it. As I say, just an annoyingly unnecessary outcome. Thanks for replying x
Just to let you know they are really small just look like a freckle - I’m proud of them 
good luck with your treatment- I went to the Royal Marsden and they were amazing 
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