In honour of Breast Cancer awareness month (October), this is a story about healing through cancer with tattoos.
Thank you to K. who shared her story and trusting in our team to support her healing by getting tattooed. She has allowed us to post this blog in hopes that others who might have gone through or are going through breast cancer treatment, can relate to her story and find hope and inspiration.
The Diagnosis: Reactions to permanent change
“In July I found a lump about the size of a pea in my right breast. I kept an eye on it for about a week and it was getting bigger. I went to my doctor and it was about 1cm in diameter. I was referred to the breast health clinic at Jim Pattison Outpatient Centre (JPOC) and was there 5 weeks later; the growth was quite noticeable. I had a mammogram & ultrasound and the lump was not detected, it looked like regular breast tissue. Since we could feel the lump & it was growing quickly, I was scheduled for a Core Needle Biopsy later the same day. 9 days later I received my results.
Pre-cancerous cells were detected and the lump needed to be removed. I was back the following day for an open biopsy to remove the lump. 12 days later I officially found out it was cancer, HER2-positive, usually, this affects women in their late 60’s or 70’s. I had 2 options: 1) Go back in and remove the surrounding breast tissue & test it, if cancer was present then remove more tissue or mastectomy. 2) A mastectomy. I decided to take no chances & have a mastectomy which included removing some lymph nodes.
My mastectomy was scheduled to take place in 2 weeks. For me my focus wasn’t on losing my breast, I was focused on getting rid of the cancer as quickly as possible. It wasn’t until I was about to remove my bandages for the first time that it all sunk in. That was a very difficult moment.
My breast tissue was 50% cancer, but my lymph nodes were clear. I was fortunate and my lump turned out being hundreds of little tumours attached together... the relief that came with that news was immeasurable. I met with my oncologist and since my tumours were all tiny and my lymph nodes were clear, I didn’t require chemotherapy or radiation.
Then in December, it all started again. I found a lump in my left breast, had an appointment at the breast health clinic within the week. The same steps were taken and, luckily, this lump was benign.
It’s a waiting game every time you have a procedure/test and that is stressful. I decided that going through this every time I find a lump isn’t worth it & I had a second mastectomy. If I had to do it again, I would have had both breasts removed at the same time."
The Tattoo: A final step to recovery
“I decided to have reconstruction but opted not to have nipple/areola reconstruction. When wearing a t-shirt, the outward appearance looks ‘normal’, but my breasts have no feeling, no temperature sensation and don’t feel like mine.
Having my breasts tattooed was my husband’s idea... a way to make them mine again. He did the initial research and sent me a list of artists he liked then we narrowed it down together. We really liked how realistic Milo’s work is.
Everything about Liquid Amber was amazing. Right from my initial contact with my idea, to communication while on the waitlist, to my consult with Milo... I felt comfortable and right at home immediately. I thought it would be awkward lying there, exposing my scars, but Milo was very respectful and the concern was quickly forgotten. Milo was also really easy to talk to and has a great sense of humour.”
Conclusion
Early detection is key. If you think you have a lump go to your doctor immediately and get it checked. Better to find out it’s nothing than to ignore it & it’s something. I was fortunate that I caught mine early and acted quickly.
October is breast cancer awareness month, take a moment to donate and show your support via the link below.
www.cancer.ca/en/donate/breast-cancer
Like many of us, K. got the tattoo itch! She received an additional tattoo on her wrist and a hummingbird on her shoulder. All tattooed by Milo Marcelo.
