Tattoo on back/shoulder of affected side

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Hello!

I’m nearly 5 years on from treatment (single mx, chemo, rads, lymph node clearance, all right hand side). I suspected lymphedema last year but was shown to have sub clinical levels of swelling so essentially just the risk of developing.

I was wanting to have a tattoo on my shoulder blade and shoulder of affected side and was advised last year this would be fine but now it’s booked I’m questioning it again. Does anyone know if this would be an equivalent risk to having one on the arm itself, i.e. does the shoulder area drain into the same (axillary) nodes? If so I’ll obviously rethink!

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I know someone who has Lymphadema who had tests done and the lymph drains into her dog ear and her chest ha the Lympadema so I would say yes.

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Thank you!

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I wouldn’t have it done on that side. I did develop lymphoedema a year or so after having a mastectomy, full aux. clearance, chemo and radiotherapy.

I had 3 tattoos (my 1st ever - and no more) in last October, January and February. 3-4 yrs post op/treatment. Just fine line script, in memory of my DH, and had them on the other side’s inner forearm, inner bicep and top of the shoulder blade. All was absolutely fine - not even any scabbing, flaking nor itching.

No way would I have even the tiniest one on the affected side. I really urge you to go the other side as you are at risk of lymphoedema developing. You don’t know how you’ll react to the tat and the more art work, the more scabbing etc and you don’t know if this could kick-start actual lymphoedema.

My lymphoedema is not bad. It’s totally manageable. It does go up and down a bit. Even though mine’s mild, I would not wish it on anyone. I’d not put myself at risk if I didn’t have it and still would have had my inkings on the other side to my op.

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I think you need to check with your cancer team to be sure but, having said that, a lot of ladies have large areas of tattoos over their mastectomy scars so I am assuming that if it’s ok to do that then it should be ok for you. I’d still check though.
On the subject of tattoos - I’d eventually like one over my scars. How much does it hurt?
X

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Hi @lilyb84
Hopefully one of the nurses will get back to you soon on this! I would go with medical advice on this, everyone has their own risk factors for lymphedema so it’s very individual (sorry to those who have gone to on develop lymphedema :heartpulse: )

Some of us do go on to get tattoos on our mastectomy/surgery side, whether that’s a nipple tattoo on recon or something to cover scarring if they have chosen to stay flat. I have had a mastectomy and targeted lymph node removal and it’s something I hope to do myself in the future, but as above after seeking medical advice :slight_smile:

Have you had a chance to look at the BCN page on this? It’s not quite the area you’re after, but it might help Tattoos after breast cancer treatment

I have had tattoos since finishing treatment, not on surgery side yet, and looked carefully at artist’s reviews and met them beforehand so that I can trust the environment they work in.

All the best!

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Hello lilyb84

Thanks for posting. It’s understandable you have questions about getting a tattoo after your treatment for breast cancer several years ago. As @Yasmeink says there is some information about tattoos after surgery that maybe helpful to read, although the information is more about tattooing on the actual mastectomy area.

The area you want to have a tattoo on should be safe in terms of lymphoedema risk to your affected breast and arm, but do check with your treatment team as a precaution, as @jayesse suggests.

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Best wishes

Carolyn

Breast Care Nurse

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