This story is about three friends in vastly separate places in their lives, uniquely connected through the breast cancer experience, and a narrative of a breast reconstruction nipple tattoo artistry experience.
Whitney’s Breast Reconstruction Story
I met Whitney in 2019 shortly after moving back to Seattle. Our past connections are uncanny. We remain friends and the story behind how it came to be still warms my heart. You can read more about it in this blog and how Whitney’s genetic mutation for ATM and CHEK2 put her at high risk for getting breast cancer.
She completed her breast reconstruction Journey traveling to San Antonio having her DIEP flap performed at PRMA. Whitney communicated with me while she was in Texas revealing how pleased she was with her surgery. My heart was happy to hear about support from her husband and other Journey members living in the San Antonia area. Because she removed her nipples at the time of her reconstruction, I knew she would be having them tattooed at a later date after having the reconstructed. The tattoo would complete the coloration along with adding the areola. I waited patiently for the announcement of her Journey to see Eric Eye.
Eric Eye: The Artistry Experience
We moved back to Seattle in late 2018. In early 2019, along with friend and fellow patient advocate, Kirstin Litz, we met Eric for the first time in the previous tattoo studio where he did his work. Kirstin and I had such an amazing day with Eric. We recorded videos and spent time getting to know the artist and the man who worked with breast cancer patients. I have since returned to Eric’s new location to get my own decorative tattoo commemorating my DEIP flap breast reconstruction, also done at PRMA in San Antonio.
The Advocate’s Nipple Tattoo Artistry Experience
Whitney and I were eager to be together when she saw Eric for her first session of nipple tattooing in his studio. We drove separately and met in the Fine Line Studio on a cool fall day in Seattle. I had my camera ready to document the day for them both. As excited as I was, I wanted to be “the quiet mouse in the corner” that day. I had already been for my own decorative tattoo and new the intimacy of this moment between the client and the artist. I accompanied her for her first session. She would go back a few weeks later for a touch up and completion of her nipple areola tattoo with Eric in a second session.
Eric guided Whitney through the size she wanted her areola, the color and pigmentation desired, and carefully and compassionately guided Whitney through each step. I never saw this firsthand. I am absolutely amazed by the process and how quickly it took place. This is a testimony of Eric’s background and training. I thought to myself, where does this deep-down compassion come from in a man who chooses to perform tattoos for breast cancer patients after years of designing other types of decorative tattoos for clients.
Choices for Breast Reconstruction Nipple Tattoos
We are in a place now there are choices for patients to rebuild their nipple areola complex. Some choose to remove their nipple areola complex, or they are medically advised to remove them. Tattoo artistry is on the rise with a focus on safety, training, and the compassion required to work with those affected by breast cancer. Thank you to Eric and Whitney for allowing me to be a part of your breast reconstruction nipple tattoo artistry experience!
