Recipient Spotlight:
Nancy Crowe
As a breast cancer previvor, Nancy decided to get a decorative chest tattoo with P.ink after a preventative mastectomy.
Nancy Crowe opted for a preventative mastectomy due to her family history of breast cancer. After surgery, though, she was surprised by how much her self-image had changed. She worried that people would look at her differently and wondered how she would ever get back to feeling like herself.
Nancy was a P.ink Day New Orleans, LA recipient in 2017 and worked with tattoo artist Scott Barbier. We interviewed Nancy to learn more about her P.ink Day experience.
Can you tell us about your breast cancer experience?
My mom passed away from breast cancer when she was 36. When I was 30, my doctor started talking to me about genetic testing, specifically BRCA. I met with genetic counselors and came up with a game plan [to get a preventative mastectomy]. I’m a previvor who didn’t want to hear a cancer diagnosis. I beat it to the punch.
How did you feel after your mastectomy?
The surgeon said the procedure went well. Afterward, I had to struggle with the mental load. Social awareness was hard for me. I kept thinking people knew what happened. I had to find a way to get back into the world and back to myself. After I got the call from P.ink, I knew I was going to be able to move forward.
“After the surgery, I kept thinking people knew what happened. I had to find a way to get back into the world and back to myself. After I got the call from P.ink, I knew I was going to be able to move forward.”
– Nancy Crowe
What was your P.ink Day experience like?
There were so many emotions getting to the studio. I was excited to be there! During the application process I submitted several ideas. Then I learned who my artist would be and I was nervous to meet Scott. But once he showed me the design, it felt like he understood exactly what I needed from this tattoo.
At the shop, I met incredible women who have lived incredible medical journeys. That was an important part of the P.ink experience for me. I made sure I could be sympathetic where I couldn’t be empathetic. There was a moment when I felt I was undeserving because my background was different. I talked with one of the leaders there and she reassured me – I was chosen – and each person was chosen to be there. I want other women to know it’s a nerve-wracking day, but it’s okay. You’re not prepared for the emotional side because this isn’t like any other tattoo experience.
How did your tattoo change your outlook on life?
I certainly have an increased confidence. I carry myself higher and am so proud of my body. I did it, I survived. Scars make great stories, but tattoos make better stories.
What piece of advice would you share with potential future recipients? What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
You control your own narrative. The scar is going to be there, but it doesn’t have to define you. Something I had to work out for myself was how to handle people questioning my healing process. I want women to know that it’s nobody’s business but your own. You went to every appointment, faced all the fears, this is a choice for you. Now I get to tell my story and put my own spin on it.
