Tattoos are powerful forms of self-expression, acting as visual narratives etched onto our skin. For individuals navigating the challenging journey of cancer, particularly brain tumors, tattoos transcend mere decoration. They become profound emblems of resilience, survival, and personal identity. While some may look to the stars for guidance, considering Cancer Tattoos Horoscope meanings, for many in the cancer community, the ink serves a much more personal and deeply felt purpose. This article delves into the moving stories of fifteen members of the brain tumor community who have chosen tattoos to mark their journeys. Discover the significance behind their ink, the emotions they embody, and the powerful messages they carry. These aren’t just tattoos; they are testaments to courage, inspiration on difficult days, badges of survival, and visual mantras etched in skin.
Stacy A.: Celebrating Tumorversaries with a Bionic Brain Tattoo
A whimsical brain tattoo with arms, legs, lightning bolt, and bandage, symbolizing survival and humor.
Stacy A. from San Francisco, CA, diagnosed with meningioma, embraces a unique annual tradition. Every year, she commemorates her “tumorversary” with a new tattoo, celebrating each year of survivorship. For her fifth year, Stacy envisioned a design radiating joy and positivity. “I wanted something happy that would make me smile,” she explains. “A brain tumor is such a constant battle, so I try to celebrate the wins.” Her tattoo is a vibrant, cartoonish brain with arms and legs, complete with a lightning bolt and a head bandage. This playful imagery serves as a personal cheerleader. “When I am having a hard time, I just look at it, and my brain gives me a high five,” Stacy shares.
The lightning bolt in her brain tattoo is a nod to her brain stimulator implant and radiation treatments. “I joke that I have a bionic brain now,” she laughs. Beyond humor, the tattoo is a constant reminder to maintain a positive outlook and find levity even in adversity.
Stacy’s Tip for First-Timers: “If it is your first tattoo, I would suggest drawing something on yourself to see if you like having it for a day or two.” Stacy also candidly addresses needle anxiety, common among those who’ve undergone medical treatments. “I was deathly afraid of needles before my brain tumor. I can say now that after everything I have gone through, I am no longer scared of needles. Tattoos are NOTHING pain-wise compared to what most of us have gone through.”
Lisa B.: A Floral Gray Ribbon of Survival Close to the Heart
A flower tattoo crafted from gray ribbons, symbolizing brain tumor journey and strength.
Lisa B. from Thurmont, MD, a pituitary tumor survivor, sought a tattoo with profound personal significance and aesthetic beauty. Choosing the inside of her left arm, close to her heart, she entrusted a tattoo artist to create a meaningful design. The result is a delicate flower composed of colored ribbons. The gray ribbons are central to its meaning, symbolizing her journey through two brain tumors, the various treatments she endured, and their lasting impact on her life.
For Lisa, this tattoo, acquired nine years ago, has become a powerful emblem of survival and acceptance. “Over the past nine years, it has become a reminder to me that my journey is what it is, and I have survived.” It also represents a shift from concealment to open acknowledgment. “For decades, I kept hidden what had happened… This is my reminder to be OK with telling people and being OK with the effects… that I am strong enough to transition from being ashamed… to being strong inside and out.”
Lisa’s Tip for Choosing an Artist: “Find a reputable tattoo artist. Give them ideas and then evaluate their sketch. Do not make any hurried decisions. And if you do not love the sketch, have the artist redo it or find a different artist.”
Kathryn B.: Disney Magic and Gray Ribbons – A Reminder of Overcoming
A Disney-inspired tattoo with gray ribbon, red and white flowers, and bow, signifying family, survival, and joy.
Kathryn B. from Orwigsburg, PA, a meningioma survivor, intertwines personal milestones and struggles in her tattoo. The journey to parenthood, fraught with challenges, coincided with her brain tumor diagnosis. Before undergoing brain tumor removal surgery, she and her family took a poignant trip to Disney World with her infant daughter, “just in case.”
Post-surgery, Kathryn faced complications, including a pulmonary embolism. Seeking strength amidst adversity, she decided on a tattoo that would encapsulate both her survival and her reasons for fighting. “When life kept trying to push me down… I knew I needed something to remind me of not only what I survived but why.” Her tattoo combines the gray ribbon for brain tumor awareness with red and white flowers and a bow symbolizing the pulmonary embolism. Disney-inspired ears and lettering add a layer of personal joy, commemorating the special family trip and her love for Disney as an escape.
Kathryn’s Tip for Empowerment: “I would encourage you to think of what makes you happy or empowered and put it in a place you could see to remind you.” For Kathryn, the tattoo serves as a constant source of strength. “Each time I have a rough patch, I can see my tattoo and think, ‘If I could make it through all of that, I can do anything.'”
Courtney B.: Lotus in the Mud – Finding Gifts in Brain Cancer
A lotus flower blooming from a gray brain cancer ribbon, symbolizing growth from adversity.
Courtney B., a hospital medicine physician in Saint Paul, MN, living with astrocytoma, draws strength from the symbolic lotus flower. For Courtney, the lotus, rooted in mud yet blossoming beautifully, perfectly mirrors her experience with brain cancer. “A lotus flower only grows from mud. Brain cancer is my ‘mud.'” Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s words, “No mud, no lotus,” she chose this symbol to represent the unexpected gifts her diagnosis has revealed.
Her tattoo depicts a lotus flower emerging from a gray brain cancer ribbon, a visual representation of growth from hardship. “I see this tattoo daily, and it reminds me to find the gifts amidst difficulty.” Beyond personal meaning, Courtney sees her tattoo as a conversation starter for brain cancer awareness.
Courtney’s Medical Timing Tip: “I would make sure to discuss the timing with your medical team! It can be dangerous to get a tattoo at certain times during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It’s important to make sure your risk of bleeding and infection is minimized.”
Julia C.: Faith as Foundation – A Song Lyric of Hope Tattooed
A delicate lyric tattoo "Rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on You," symbolizing faith and resilience.
Julia C. from Buffalo, NY, an astrocytoma survivor, chose a tattoo to commemorate her journey and pay tribute to a pivotal moment. On the day of her first MRI, before her diagnosis, a friend sent her a worship song. The song’s message resonated deeply, becoming an anchor of hope throughout her brain tumor experience.
Her tattoo is a lyric from that song’s bridge: “Rain came, wind blew, but my house was built on You.” For Julia, these words encapsulate the unwavering foundation of her faith amidst life’s storms. “Those words always struck me so powerfully because it perfectly represents that no matter what life hands me, I have a firm foundation upon which to rest.” This small but potent tattoo is a daily reminder of her resilience and the enduring power of faith.
Julia’s Tip for Meaningful Ink: “For anyone considering a tattoo, I would say just to really think about it before you get it!” Initially considering a brain tattoo, Julia opted for a more positive and universally meaningful symbol. “I chose a tattoo that, for me, carried a powerful and meaningful message, but that was also positive!”
Mark C.: Wearing His Story on His Sleeve – An MRI Scan Tattoo
An accurate MRI scan tattoo, representing acceptance, gratitude, and personal journey.
Mark C. from San Francisco, CA, an oligodendroglioma survivor, made a unique and deeply personal choice for his first and only tattoo: his MRI scan. This decision stemmed from acceptance, memorialization, and gratitude. “My choice to get a tattoo of my MRI… was based on a few things: acceptance that this was now a part of who I am; memorialization of a ‘stable’ state; and to remind me of the gratitude I have…”
The tattoo is a precise replica of his MRI, capturing the intricate details of the scan. Mark emphasizes the artist’s dedication to accuracy, highlighting the striking resemblance between the tattoo and the original MRI image. For Mark, the MRI tattoo embodies personal significance, reflecting his identity, something he is proud of, and a lifelong reminder. He chose his upper arm as placement to “wear it on your sleeve,” yet allowing for discretion when desired.
Mark’s Tip for Lifelong Ink: “I’d recommend that they think about what they want carefully and consider the fact that it will be around forever.”
Danielle K.: Half Brain, Half Gladiolus – Strength in Bloom
A half-brain, half-flower tattoo, symbolizing resilience and overcoming brain cancer.
Danielle K. from Danbury, CT, a glioblastoma warrior, is no stranger to tattoos, but her brain cancer journey spurred a new wave of body art. While she already had tattoos representing family and female strength, she felt a need for one specifically acknowledging her brain cancer battle.
The inspiration struck spontaneously during a tattoo session with her sisters. Her sister-in-law suggested the idea of a half-brain, half-something else design. After brainstorming, they landed on gladiolus, flowers symbolizing strength. “It’s half brain, half gladiolus… we landed on this. It’s half brain, half gladiolus, which, per the internet, are some of the strongest flowers out there.” This powerful combination represents Danielle’s unwavering determination to overcome the disease. Placed on her forearm for visibility, the tattoo serves as a constant reminder of her strength and resilience.
Danielle’s Pain and Artist Tip: “The inner arm… is one of the most PAINFUL spots.” She also stresses the importance of artist connection. “Make sure you jive with your artist!… a positive connection with your tattoo artist makes a world of difference.”
Stephanie K.: Dates of Survival – A Timeline of Triumph
A tattoo listing surgery dates, symbolizing survival, empowerment, and gratitude.
Stephanie K. from Los Angeles, CA, a meningioma and breast cancer survivor, marks her journey with a simple yet profound tattoo: a list of surgery dates. Her life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a seizure, leading to the discovery of a grapefruit-sized meningioma. Surgery, recovery, and then a breast cancer diagnosis followed.
Her tattoo lists “Craniotomy 2.24.22” and her breast surgery dates, a personal timeline of survival. “Every time I look at it, I feel empowered, proud, and nothing but gratitude.” Created by a local artist who resonated with her story, the tattoo offers closure and serves as a daily reminder of her resilience. “I told him I wanted to look at my dates every day so I didn’t forget how far I’d come.” The dates, meaningful only to her initially, become conversation starters when she chooses to share her story.
Stephanie’s Intuition Tip: “I also think trusting your intuition and not getting anyone else’s opinion is important… What matters most is it speaks to you.”
Savannah M.: Butterflies of Hope – A Family’s Journey Together
Four matching butterfly tattoos on forearms, symbolizing family unity and hope amidst cancer.
Butterflies hold deep meaning for Savannah M. from Dayton, TN, an ependymoma survivor. Since childhood, she’s been drawn to their beauty and delicate strength. After losing her great-grandmother, butterflies became a symbol of connection and peace, appearing in dreams as comforting messengers.
Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022, Savannah found another layer of meaning in butterflies – the symbol for ependymoma. Inspired by a dream her mother had, where her great-grandmother associated butterflies with her presence and reassurance, Savannah and her family decided on matching butterfly tattoos. “My parents, brother, and I received matching butterfly tattoos to symbolize our journey with cancer.” These tattoos represent their shared journey, Savannah’s battle, and their collective hope. For Savannah, her butterfly wrist tattoo provides daily comfort and strength.
Savannah’s “Just Do It” Tip: “My advice would be if you want to get a tattoo inspired by your cancer journey, do it. You will not regret it… It is almost like taking these negative experiences and pain you have endured and turning it into something beautiful, a reminder of your growth. It’s just like a butterfly — it starts as a caterpillar, and one day, it morphs into a beautiful butterfly.”
Tommy M.: Ramble On – Music, Marathons, and Motivation
A "Ramble On" lyric tattoo with mountain and running imagery, symbolizing music, movement, and perseverance.
Tommy M. from Chicago, IL, an astrocytoma survivor, found his tattoo inspiration in music and movement. During recovery and radiation, he found solace in long walks accompanied by his favorite music, particularly Led Zeppelin. Their song “Ramble On” became his anthem, its lyrics resonating with his cancer journey, providing inspiration and motivation.
“Ramble On” now marks the start of every race Tommy participates in, a tradition born from his recovery walks. Once not a runner, Tommy has embraced running post-diagnosis, completing marathons and ultramarathons. His “Ramble On” tattoo, placed on his leg, symbolizes this newfound passion and the journeys his legs now take him on. He got the tattoo just before running the LA Marathon with Gray Nation Endurance, connecting it to his fundraising and community involvement.
Tommy’s Artist Research Tip: “I would suggest researching a shop or artist you’re considering on social media or pop into their shop. Ask friends or family who have tattoos for recommendations.”
Alex N.: Silver Linings – A Polish Proverb of Positivity
A "Po każdej burzy…" quote tattoo, symbolizing optimism and finding positives in hardship.
Alex N. from McMinnville, OR, an oligodendroglioma survivor, chose a tattoo with linguistic depth and a message of enduring hope. She sought a cancer-related tattoo but wanted something beyond typical symbols. A Polish proverb, “Po każdej burzy… tęcza,” meaning “After every storm, there is a rainbow,” resonated deeply.
This proverb, loosely translated to “Every cloud has a silver lining,” became her mantra. “It reminds me that attitude is everything and that there can be something positive to come out of even the worst circumstances.” Her first and only tattoo, this quote, is a testament to her optimistic outlook. Her mother even got a matching tattoo, solidifying its shared significance. Alex chose her wrist for visibility and personal strength.
Alex’s Mockup Tip: “This was my first tattoo, and I definitely put a lot of time and thought into it… I ordered some temp tattoo mockups from Inkbox and tried them on different parts of my body… My right wrist felt like the most meaningful location.”
Cathy O.: Snoopy’s Lessons – Meditative, Happy, Loving
Three Snoopy tattoos – meditating, dancing, and radiating love – symbolizing life lessons learned through cancer.
Cathy O. from Castaic, CA, an astrocytoma survivor, expresses gratitude for her cancer journey and the lessons learned through Snoopy tattoos. A lifelong Snoopy fan, Cathy sees the character as embodying limitless possibilities. Her tattoos represent key life lessons: Meditative Snoopy for acceptance and peace, Dancing Snoopy for presence and happiness, and Radiating Love Snoopy for the primacy of love.
Starting with Dancing Snoopy, Cathy’s collection grew, reflecting her evolving understanding and acceptance. Her Snoopy tattoos serve as constant reminders of these valuable lessons gleaned from her experience.
Cathy’s Temporary and Ink Tip: “Before getting my first tattoo, I found it helpful to get temporary tattoos that were the same as I was thinking… I also go to a paramedical tattoo artist who uses medical-grade ink. Because of MRIs, I wanted to be sure it was safe.”
Heather O.: Visible Damage, Invisible Battles – An MRI Reality Tattoo
An MRI scan tattoo with purple highlighting, symbolizing invisible struggles and validation.
Heather O. from Rockwall, TX, a meningioma survivor, chose a powerful and direct representation of her journey: her MRI scan. Facing invisible deficits and minimizing comments about her recovery, Heather felt the need for a tattoo that visually conveyed her reality.
“Every comment minimized what I went through — 17 days in ICU, two months of inpatient therapy… relearning to walk, talk, and just think, plus seizures.” Her MRI tattoo, highlighting the area affected by the meningioma in purple, is not an excuse but a validation of her ongoing struggles and her resilience. “It’s my reality, and it reminds me I’m a badass.” Placed on her right shoulder, the tattoo is for herself, a private reminder of her battles and triumphs.
Heather’s Placement Tip: “Think about placement for sure and what’s meaningful to you in this journey. Mine is very in-your-face if I happen to show it.”
Stephanie Q.: Still I Rise – Courage and a Sunrise of Hope
A "Still I Rise" quote tattoo with a sun, symbolizing courage, resilience, and rising above adversity.
Stephanie Q. from Dallas, TX, an astrocytoma survivor, sought a tattoo to combat fear and grief stemming from her diagnosis. Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” became her source of strength. “While the poem’s trauma is different than mine, it makes me feel less alone. The poem reminds me that no matter what cancer throws at me, I will still rise and continue the fight.”
Paired with a sun, symbolizing resilience and the promise of a new day, her tattoo embodies her determination to overcome. “Even after death, I will rise.” Stephanie and her husband got tattoos in Iceland during a trip taken to reclaim joy after her diagnosis. Her “Still I Rise” tattoo, visibly placed, serves as a constant reminder of her courage, especially during scanxiety-filled MRI appointments.
Stephanie’s Purpose and Timing Tip: “My recommendation would be to think about what you want the tattoo to do for you… a tattoo that’s meaningful to your life and story can help give you strength as you continue your journey… I would also recommend keeping the tattoo appointment as far as possible from any upcoming MRIs.”
Amanda S.: Mechanical Brain, Blooming Mind – A Survivor’s Badge
A brain tattoo with mechanical gears on one side and flowers on the other, symbolizing balance and survival.
Amanda S. from Norristown, PA, a ganglioglioma survivor, cherishes her brain tumor tattoo as a symbol of survival. Created by her tattoo artist for her Race For Hope team shirts, the design evolved into a meaningful tattoo gifted by her family.
The tattoo depicts a brain with mechanical gears on the right side, representing logic and method, and flowers on the left, symbolizing creativity and artistry. A gray ribbon crowns the design, signifying brain tumor survivorship. “I see it and smile, especially on days that are challenging… seeing it is a reminder that I survived the most difficult thing I’ve had to go through.” For Amanda, the tattoo is a badge of honor and a source of strength on challenging days.
Amanda’s Waiting and Artist Tip: “I waited several years after my artist created the image to actually get it tattooed. I wanted to make sure that the image was something I loved over time… I am happy that I got the tattoo done by someone who collaborated with me on the design and someone I knew well.”
More Tips from the Tattooed Brain Tumor Community:
- Tom O. (Apex, NC): Timing is Key. “When I was facing my third surgery, I asked my surgeon if I could get a tattoo prior to surgery. NO was his answer, because of the risk of infection. So my daughter used a Sharpie… When I completed my last radiation treatment, I had an appointment with a tattoo artist and went there directly.”
- Brenda W. (Bellevue, NE): Font Matters. “If you’re going to incorporate any numbers or words, look for a font that isn’t as ‘fat.’ Look for thin numbers so they don’t end up blurring together… Don’t let anyone talk you out of it, either. This is FOR YOU and no one else.”
- Laura N. (Indianapolis, IN): Foot Pain. “I chose the foot as that was the only area one friend didn’t already have a tattoo, [and we were doing a group tattoo]. Avoid your foot! That hurts!!”
- Desiree J. (Edmonton, AB): Prep and Supplies. “Start hydrating the day or a few days before. Download a good playlist or audiobook, and bring snacks! (Sugary is good to keep your blood sugar from crashing.)”
These stories and tips reveal the profound personal significance tattoos hold for brain tumor survivors. They are more than just ink; they are symbols of strength, survival, remembrance, and hope, etched onto skin and into the soul. Whether drawing inspiration from personal experiences, meaningful lyrics, or symbolic imagery, these cancer tattoos go beyond any horoscope reading, offering tangible reminders of inner fortitude and the power of the human spirit.
