You got a tattoo where?

So before my diagnosis, only a year ago, if you had told me I would have a boob job, a shaved head and a tattoo a year later I would have laughed you right out of my house. But here I am with perky girls, barely-there-hair and a boob covered with vaseline and plastic wrap. Today was the beginning of the last step in my breast reconstruction - my areola tattoo. If you'll remember, I had a nipple sparing mastectomy last April. Not all of the nipple and areola tissue survived the surgery, so I was left with a very faint and discolored areola and more of a nubble than a nipple. So this procedure makes that area look normal again.

The procedure was done at a medical dermatologists office where they do permanent cosmetic makeup, medical peels, injectibles, and also areola restoration. A few before photos were taken and then different shades of dye were swabbed on my left breast to match the color. It looked like a bunch of foundation samples from the department store cosmetics counter. Measurements were taken, lines were drawn and the color selected. I've never seen a tattoo applied before, except on TLC, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The little tattoo gun looked like it does on tv and the technician dipped it in the dye and then applied it to my skin. Luckily I still have no feeling in the right breast, so I didn't feel anything more than a slight vibration as the tattoo was applied. The application took maybe 30 minutes. Easy and painless with instant results - these are the types of procedures I like! So now, the right breast looks much more normal than it did before. The tattoo is redder than the areola on the left, but she said it will calm down over the next few days. I need to keep it covered with vaseline and plastic wrap for the week and then I can show it off. I'll get a second application in about a month to prevent the dye from fading. After that my reconstruction will be complete! I like forward progress.

Everything else is fantastic. I've ditched the wig for a short, dark boyish haircut. My hair is growing, but of course not as fast as I would like. I feel good and energetic and almost back to normal. At my last doctor's appointment I was told pretty much the only things to do to prevent the cancer from coming back was to exercise regularly (30 minutes a day) and eat a well balanced diet. Since I was pretty much doing that before I got breast cancer I got a little snotty. I'm frustrated that breast cancer is so common and there's still no information other than "be healthy" available. So I've stepped up my broccoli and brussel sprout intake and reduced my processed sugar. I'm taking vitamin supplements and trying to avoid stress. Basically I'm trying to live a balanced and happy life. And because I have such wonderful friends and family like you it's not that hard to do! Have a great day!