Out of "The Zone"!

Hello, and welcome!

Seems ages since I last posted something, but life just gets that way, sometimes, don't you think? :D

I don't think you would have enjoyed my company, the last few days......had been to the hospital for my yearly check-up for the lymphodema in my left arm, and was upset by the results.

For those of you who may not know.......I had breast cancer (will be 4 years come June), and my surgeon removed all the lymph nodes in my left armpit, which then led to me getting swelling in my arm because the toxins have nowhere to go, unless I keep up my exercises, and simple lymphatic massage.

I do both, without fail, every day.......but sometimes, if I've spent too much time picking up grandchildren, hoovering, pushing a heavy shopping trolley around the supermarket, or anything else that puts my arm under pressure, then I get swelling and lots of discomfort.

It doesn't usually bother me, because I always say it's a small price to pay for still being here.......right?

But, sometimes............sometimes it gets to me......and this week was one of those times.

I now have to go back to the clinic in 6 months, instead of a year, because my arm is significantly more swollen than it was, at my last visit.  The breast-care nurse keeps saying I should wear a compression sleeve.......and it's that that upsets me..........

Wearing one of those things would mean I can never "get away" from the constant reminder that I've had cancer........

As I said.......sometimes, just sometimes, it gets to me.

OK.........whinge over, folks!

A couple of weeks ago, Christy from Tiddly Inks asked if any of her followers would do a favour for her?  She has a friend who is turning 40, and Christy  wanted as many birthday cards made for her as possible.........she gave us a couple of digi images to play with....and this is what I came up with......which took me almost completely out of "the zone" that I usually like to be in, when I'm creating something!

Christy's friend likes red, black, and white........

I really struggled with this one.........

The image is called "Kellie", so I'm guessin' that's what the birthday girl is called, and this is what she looks like :) The white spots on her top and boots are white glaze pen, and the red sparkle on her tights is made with a Sakura sparkly gel pen.......wish I was brave enough to wear 'em!

I added some red handstitching around the black DP (DP is from DCWV The Stack), and some red glitter to the centre of the flowers, on the border.

Did a bit of recycling with the huge red bow.....it came off a box of choccies I gave my Mam!

Now, I'm off out to have dinner with Pat (remember she just turned 60?), and two other good friends......wonder how many ProPoints are in chocolate truffle pudding?

Some challenges:

http://www.charismacardz.blogspot.com/

Colour - black, white and one other colour (mine is red)

doyoustackup.blogspot.com

Anything Goes

shellysimagesblog.blogspot.com

Use ribbon

Hugs,

Anne-Marie x