Anyone on here know whether you can get Tattoos if you’re on watch and wait?
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Another very good question @Adman.
I have been on watch and wait for 19 yrs with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and know I have a weakened immune system so very personally I would not have a tattoo.
I do appreciate tattoo parlours are regulated for their hygiene practices, but the invasive side concerns me.
You might say ‘but you probably would not have a tattoo even if your immune system was OK’. A very fair point and I would not fancy the pain side either, I am a complete wimp.
Lots of patients do have them, and some to celebrate milestones in treatment.
I will copy your post to the Blood Cancer UK nurses for their thoughts @BloodCancerUK_Nurses .
I await other’s thoughts and also what you decide and which tattoo you decide.
Take lots of care
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Thank you Erica, il ask my cancer nurse
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Sounds like you want to get a tattoo. In which case I’d say check the reputation of the tattoo artist and make sure you’re happy with hygiene procedures. Then go for it.
I had one done at age 60, before diagnosis but likely unknowingly already heading for the diagnosis, I don’t regret it
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Oh @Helen2 if you don’t mind me asking what was your tattoo of and where is it and did it hurt!!!
Hi Erica
A reasonably large one on my back of a small water lily over an elephant. Some pain but easily tolerable, despite it taking half hour to an hour.
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Thank you, I have 20 tattoos so I know a few good tattooists, il have a chat with them
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Hello there @Adman
Thank you for posting. As @Erica and @Helen2 have mentioned, the standards of the Tattooist and what your blood counts are is paramount. Asking your Clinical Nurse Specialist would be the first step as the risk of any invasive procedure is infection, bleeding and extended healing time.
Hopefully you will get an answer soon.
Take care
Gemma
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