What's your opinion? (just curious)

[crecco]

I recently did something that has recieved a really mixed bag of reaction, so I am curious as to what you think. (you will not hurt my feelings if you disapprove or think it is stupid)
To give you some understanding as to why I did what I did: In Nov 2005, I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. I found out much later that my Drs did not expect me to make it until the next year. Because of the type of cancer I have, I will be on chemo for the rest of my life. But hey, I have accepted that with no problem. If that is what it takes to keep me around, then they can bring it on. Anyway, in Oct of this year, I lost my hair for the third time (the second time was just Feb of this year). So I am sick of looking at my bald or stubbly (?) head.
  Nov 14, 2008, I celebrated my third anniversary since being diagnosed. (Just so you know, I am feeling fine and doing great in my opinion, all things considered) That evening a couple of girlfriends took me to a local tattoo shop that had recently opened and I proceeded to get a tattoo of a butterfly on the side of my head! Granted, it will not always be visible, (hopefuly!) but when it is, I won't have just a bald head staring back at me in the mirror. I am also hoping that it will give me the courage to start going out in public without wearing a hat.

  Now, I am not telling this story to depress anyone or make them feel bad for any reason. I just wanted to explain some of the reasoning behind the brainstorm I had of getting a tattoo on my head. That is the picture on my profile.
So I am just curious as to what some of you think.
  

[MJIthewriter]

I think that was an awesome thing to do. I like the statement it makes. It's a sign of courage to take it on and be unafraid.

[tenaciousone]

Good on you girl.  Stand up and be noticed.  Tell the world what you have achieved so far.

[suzi-q]

I am not a tatoo person, but in your case I say GO FOR IT!  I think it is a great idea and a very meaningful one at that.  I hope that you are able to keep your hair for long periods of time, but when you don't, be PROUD and sport your tatoo!  It just might catch on!

[GNicole]

I think it is a great idea. Your story is an inspiration to others. I lost my grandma (to ovarian cancer) when I was only 5 years old. I wish I would have been able to grow up with her. Good luck and best wishes to you!! :)

[dippy1]

Just wanted to echo evryone else's thoughts...awesome and well done ! I love the metaphor of the butterfly too...presume that was carefully thought out...either way; brilliant. Wasn't it really painful; I imagine the bare scalp to be really sensitive.
BTW have you posted your pic on the hair loss forum?
keep strong..good luck. x

[TrudieC]

Chris, I think you are the coolest 47 year old in the world!  

[jamiann5]

I love your tattoo and I admire you.  You are such a wonderful person!

[margypops]

Super story, you are one tough cookie thats why you know you will win this battle , I think you are one gutsy Gal.

[cowgirlnerd]

I love it.  I think you should get another one of some kind.  It does look like it would hurt though!  Maybe you are just a tough cookie!

A friend of mine that was in remission for 11 years just found out that her cancer is back and I told her if she lost her hair this time, she should get a Tina Turner wig and wear it backwards sometimes.  She is so brave it amazes me.   I tell her all of the time she is my hero.  

Congratulations on the anniversary!

[rdh1981]

That's awesome! I got a tattoo when my son passed away this summer. I thought people would think I was trashy, but it turned out to be the best decision ever!!!

You sound like an amazing person, who is living and loving life!!! Props to you!!!!

[crecco]

  Hey, you guys are the greatest! Thanks so much for all of the positive feed back. I don't regret doing it at all, I have just gotten some really strange looks and comments as I am sure you can imagine. After all, it isn't every day you see a 47 year old woman with a tattoo on her head! I guess that is the kid in me still coming out though. Maybe one of these days I will grow up, but I really doubt it! LOL

Sweetpea, tell your friend to go ahead. Amazingly, if you can believe it, it did not hurt at all, not even a little bit. Getting stuck for my weekly blood work hurts worse than the tattoo did.

[GRose]

I think it is awesome.

[Cherie762]

i thinkyour idea was creative couagous and really cool, good for you !!!

[lonewolf07]

I think it's a great idea.  Inspirational.

[dominosarah]

I think it is really neat!!!  Good for you and congrats on 3 year anniv.    sara

[Jacqui805]

I can't imagine anyone giving you $hit for your decision....Sounds great to me...Awesome thing to do!

[April2]

I usually don't care much for tattoos either but I think what you did was AWESOME! :)

And do you realize the significance of the butterfly? It means "New beginnings".
The butterfly, as we all know, starts off as plain and lowly caterpiller but emerges as a beautiful butterfly and gets it's wings to fly! I love butterflies!

[RockRose]

I think it looks great too.  I think most anyone who sees you will know by your short/bald hair what you are going through,  and the butterfly will probably tip them if they don't already "get it".  

I bet you'll get a LOT of positive feedback,  from those who have been in your shoes or have loved ones going through what you are.  Kudos for your courage.

[momagain59]

I have to admit, I hate tattoos but I love your attitude. After all that you have been through, you have the right to tattoo anything you want. Congratulations on your anniversary!!!!!!!!

[remar]

Good for you! It looks great.

[sweetpea03]

I love it. A friend of mine has been thinking about doing that. I'll be sure to let her know that you have done it, so she can do it too.

[pertykitty]

i think it is perfect.  i am so sorry you have to endure this and im amazed at your strength!  i would probably do the same thing.  

[1nana]

I say KUDOS to you!

Getting to your 3 year anniversary is a great achievement...love the tatoo, also!