Every year, millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally. These women often undergo radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells, resulting in radiation dots to be placed on their skin. These dots are small, permanent marks that ensure proper alignment of radiation therapy equipment—typically applied in a group of 5. While these radiation dots play a vital role in cancer treatments, they can serve as a painful reminder of one’s fight with cancer. Removery proudly removes radiation dot tattoos completely free of charge for all cancer survivors, no matter how far along one might be in their rehabilitation. Since launching the initiative, Removery has treated over 430 radiation dot removal patients worldwide.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Removery sat down with 3 survivors to hear their stories—and how removing their radiation dots has helped them navigate life after fighting breast cancer.
Ruthann Shipanik had no family history of breast cancer—so she didn’t think twice about postponing her routine mammogram for her wedding anniversary trip in 2019. Because of COVID, her appointment continued being pushed until November 2021. At her exam, a mass was found in Ruthann’s left breast—leading to her cancer diagnosis. One successful surgery and 40+ rounds of radiation therapy later, she began the long healing process both mentally and physically. “Having cancer changes you,” said Ruthann. “After treatment, it takes a while for your head to process everything. They don’t prepare you for how invasive the treatment is and how vulnerable you feel. You’re just trying to get through it.”
Similar to many survivors, Ruthann was marked with a few small, permanent tattoos to help guide the lasers during radiation treatment. These dots served as a constant reminder of her illness, especially months into her remission. “Every time I looked in the mirror, it was like taking a step backwards. The scars on my breasts are enough to deal with without having the dots,” shared Ruthann. “I kept thinking I hate those things. I hate them.”
Ruthann eventually found Removery’s radiation dot removal program and quickly started her removal journey. Currently, Ruthann has had 5 treatments and will continue until her dots are fully removed. Her treatments have inspired her to share the word with other patients, specifically through her oncologist.
When Carly Morris turned 40, she got her first mammogram. This routine check-up quickly led to a breast cancer diagnosis, resulting in minimally invasive surgery and radiation treatment.
As part of treatment, Carly was tattooed with small, black dots: three dots on her chest and one on each side. Assured by her technician that the tattoos are super small and no big deal, it was the least of Carly’s worries at the time. “The only thing going through my head was that I just wanted to be done with all of it. I have other tattoos, so I figured the dots would be like a badge of honor,’” she said. As she recovered, Carly found the dots to be a constant reminder of her battle with cancer. They showed through her favorite V-neck sweaters, making her feel self-conscious and stuck in a difficult chapter that she was ready to leave behind.
Several months into remission, she felt tattoo removal was a natural next step for her. She soon found Removery’s radiation dot removal program, giving her a seamless path to reclaiming her body and her life.
For Carly, the removal process has been liberating and painless. A few treatments into the process now, she’s starting to see fading—and is excited to see the dots completely disappear. “I couldn’t be [happier] with my progress so far and can’t wait till the day these radiation dots are long gone.”
Liz Craker was a young mother at just 31 when she received a shocking breast cancer diagnosis. She had no family history of the disease, nor expected the lump she found would be cancerous. Following her findings, Liz was hit with a whirlwind of doctor appointments, tests, a biopsy, and a successful lumpectomy.
After four rounds of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation, Liz was grateful to have a “done date,” but a permanent reminder of her battle remained on her skin: the small, black tattoos used as guides during radiation. For 28 years, she lived with these dots and spent countless hours wondering what to do with them. Tattooing them together, creating a design—nothing felt like the proper solution besides having them removed.
Almost three decades later, Liz found Removery’s radiation dot removal program through a simple online search. The experience was more than just another appointment; it was a form of healing. “It was such a joy to go in there on a regular basis to get zapped and get something taken off that I did not choose to have on,” she shared.
Today, Liz’s radiation dots are gone. “The process has been so redeeming,” she said. “The one that really bothered me is seriously gone.” Now, Liz dedicates her life to helping other people with chronic health issues as a peer counselor—a living testament to her belief that cancer changes your life forever: “And if you let it, it can be for good.”
Removery remains dedicated to supporting cancer survivors in their ability to move forward. If you or a loved one has survived breast cancer, Removery would love to aid your healing process through free radiation dot removal. Visit our official program page to get started:
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We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colors, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.
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