Ink has long been used to draw, write, create, and document words and pictures. Since ancient times ink has been developed for different purposes. Some inks throughout history are made to be permanent while others, especially today, are disposable, like the ink used in writing tools in distinct types of pens. Consideration for the material the ink is placed upon became a science to create lasting historical documents. What if the “material” the ink is placed on is your skin? I want to share with you the emotional connection of a few drops of ink.
Ink Used in Tattoos
Let’s talk about the canvas, the material I mentioned, your skin. One of the first tattoos discovered on a human body date back to a mummy found in the Alps. Among the many uses of ink in tattoos, history tells us they were used to mark criminals, recognize a tribe of people, or to decorate the body. They are used throughout the world in various cultures. Ink for tattoos was originally thought to have been made of elements from the earth, like charcoal.
Throughout time and even today the ink used in tattoos is a form of self-expression. Whether they symbolize the “badass” attitude often associated with bikers or gang members or are well thought out symbols of healing and art, they become permanent reminders of who we are, what we stand for, or what and who has impact in our lives.
Emotional Connection of A few Drops of Ink in Tattoos
Do you have a tattoo, or have you considered getting one? My personal decision to get a tattoo was based on my desire to have a permanent and meaningful reminder of a significant, transformational time in my life. Additionally, it became easier for me to make this decision because I knew a friend and trusted medical tattoo artist. The gentleman who did my tattoo, Eric Eye, became a guide to help me decide the size and location of my tattoo. I knew I wanted to use one color, black, for the ink.
The design I chose holds immense intrinsic meaning to me. It is representative of the transformation I experienced going through breast cancer twice and the decision to have DIEP flap to restore my breasts lost to cancer. The design is symbolic of my Irish cultural heritage. It was designed by a friend in early 2015. We sat for hours in neighborhood coffee shops coming up with a design and additional drawings to go with this symbol to use in the blog, DiepCJourney. Once it was finalized I began writing my blog that same year.
My tattoo also has the word “Journey” as part of the design. The emotional connection and meaning of this word began the day I had my DIEP flap in December of 2014. The blog took hold in early 2015. My Journey took an interesting turn the day Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, the surgeon who performed my breast reconstruction surgery, called in early 2016 encouraging me to open my Foundation. There is no doubt this tattoo holds an emotional connection to Dr. C, the skilled surgeon and the mentor.
The Journey and Process of Getting the Ink
Knowing what my design was going to look like, it was time to choose a day and place to have it. The place was Eric’s studio. I chose to have it done on my birthday. It was a day I remember with emotions and celebrations. You can read more about it in this blog I wrote. Some people have others with them. Perhaps they are getting tattoos together and the emotional connection can only happen with that person. This was my day, and I wanted to do it alone. Beside Eric, there was no one else in the room. The drive over was on a cold, gray, rainy December day in Seattle. I am contemplative as I navigate traffic and find a place to park along the street that had other small businesses.
We sat together and looked at the design before he began using his tools filled with ink. He places a piece of paper with the design on the area we chose to place the tattoo, at the end of my abdominal scar from my DIEP flap. Eric asks as he begins to work if I am comfortable. I lay on my side and was comfortable, so I let him know I was ready for him to begin. The feeling was like a mild bee sting with a bit of a tickle occasionally. I laid stoic the entire time he was masterfully creating my inked area. It wasn’t until he completed the tattoo, I stood up and I looked at the ink design in the mirror that the tears began to flow. He smiled and said, “I wondered when that was going to happen.”
A Few Drops of Ink for Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer patients get both decorative and restorative tattoos. Decorative refers to simple or elaborate designs that draw the eye away from the scar which can often be a negative reminder of breast cancer. Restorative tattoos are often referred to those that “restore” a part of the body. In the instance of breast cancer, that is the nipple/areola area. The details and skill needed to make these a 3D images take great hours of training and dedication to perfect the art.
I would be remiss in my responsibility as a patient advocate not to provide you with information about how to find a medical tattoo artist sensitive to the needs of breast cancer patients and additionally is trained to work on the skin canvas disrupted by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Let me share a list of my resources to help you.
- The Alliance of Medical Tattooing
- Interview with two medical tattoo artists for breast cancer patients.
- Video interview with a medical tattoo artist in breast reconstruction.
- A heartwarming patient story of her 3D nipple tattoo.
Our Emotional Connection Through Stories and the Ink from Tattoos
There is no doubt tattoos have evolved throughout history. I invite you to check out the Instagram account of Apo Whang Od. She is the oldest living tattoo artist. Imagine the stories she holds in her heart from all those she has placed ink on over time.
When I listen to friends share the stories of their tattoos, there is an immediate connection between us sharing how and why we came to get a tattoo and what it means to us. The skin is gently broken, and the tattoo holds a place of permanence on our bodies connecting us with a lasting mark from a few drops of ink. I would enjoy hearing about your tattoo. What is the emotional connection of a few drops of ink and what it means to you?