Shannon, 26 (in 6 days), Near South Side
How Long I've Had It: Since winter 2006The story: As you can see, I have some scars on my back. Long story short - in 1996 I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. This diagnosis was made after two lung biopsies and subsequent lobectomy to remove the large tumor in my lung. I've been in remission since 2000 and decided to celebrate my survival with a tattoo.
There are so many awful physical reminders of what I've been through covering my body - skin discoloration from a bone marrow transplant, eight-inch scar on the back, marks on my chest from radiation, ports and central lines. The list goes on. I decided to put something on my body that was of my own volition. Something that would stand with the scars and proclaim ownership of them.
I thought that because I had so much nerve damage, getting the tattoo wouldn't be too painful. That was something I made up in my head, because it hurt quite a bit. But it was small and over quickly.
I get asked questions about it all the time. If it's from a drunk frat boy at a bar, I just tell them that it is my favorite Destiny's Child song. Or my favorite TV show. They are not convinced, but it does shut them up.
