There are many things that connect cancer survivors, especially gyn cancer survivors. Chemo, doctor appointments, mental hurdles, and scars. We are honored to share with you on this National Bikini Day. Two AH-mazing women share their scar stories with us and show off what it means to be on the journey of embracing a post-surgery body and proving that YOU are beautiful. We know their stories will encourage you wherever you are in your journey and we are proud to stand with these ladies in our teal sisterhood.
Teal Diva : Tell us a little about yourself and your scar journey.
Relonda : Hello my name is Relonda and I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on November 5, 2013, two days before my 50th birthday. The infamous scars have been a journey of their own. Every day since my March 31, 2014 surgery, I have avoided showing my scars to anyone. Many days, I avoid looking at them and when I do look some days I cry. It’s a bittersweet reminder that I haven’t allowed anyone to see not even my husband. I kept them hidden until now. Today, I see power in my scars. Power to overcome a cancer diagnosis. Power to embrace the beauty of my scars. Power to overcome the pain endured during the fight. Power to be resilient post-cancer. Power to love myself. Power in any battle. Power in knowing I beat the hell out of Ovarian Cancer.
Teal Diva : Was it easy to embrace your scar?
Relonda : In transparency, it was not easy to embrace my scars. Until this project, I had not embraced my scars. It has been hard to look at although I see them every day. It’s a constant reminder that I battled cancer. When I get out of the shower, I glance at my scars and tell myself, wow, you really fought cancer.
Teal Diva : How have you embraced your scar?
Relonda : Since agreeing to participate in this project, I have embraced my scars. It’s been 8 years and in the last month, I see my scars in a new light. I’ve eliminated feeling sad about my scars. I see them as a reminder that I fought and beat Ovarian Cancer. My scars are a reminder that I am a Teal Testimony. This is a reminder that these battle wounds are proof of a battle won.
Teal Diva : What would you say to other cancer survivors to encourage them to embrace their scars?
Relonda : I would like other cancer survivors to embrace their scars early on. See them as signs of their strength, resilience, and their fight.
Teal Diva : Does your scar encourage you in any way?
Relonda : My scars encourage me to keep thriving in my survivorship.
Teal Diva : Any advice for being body-positive post-surgery?
Relonda : When we look at our bodies, we want the “perfect” body image defined by what society sets a standard for. But what is the “perfect” body image? There is no “perfect” body image. We have to accept our bodies and all the imperfections. Imperfections are beautiful and perfect in their own way. We have to embrace our uniqueness and speak positively about the body we were blessed to have. It’s learning to accept the beauty in our bodies. To give ourselves positive affirmations about our bodies. I do this every morning and since this project, I have begun adding affirmations about my scars. I repeat several times, “I love my scars! I embrace my scars! My scars are my superpower!!” I also say, “Imperfections are simply perfections with a twist” – Relonda
Teal Diva : Anything else you’d like to share with our teal sisterhood?
Relonda : Doing this project took me completely out of my comfort zone. A swimsuit photo about something I’ve avoided for 8 years. I’ve been able to look every day without getting sad. I have been able to conquer the sadness and replace it with acceptance. I now feel empowered and see the scars as a strength.
You can connect with Rolanda on her socials, give her a follow and some love for truly being a teal warrior!
Facebook: R Hancock McGhee Msw
Instagram: Wonder.Woman.Ree
Teal Diva : Tell us a little about yourself and your scar journey.
Vernelia McKnight : I’m Vernelia McKnight and my ovarian cancer journey started on January 2, 2019. After three rounds of chemo and a radical hysterectomy, my scar is a constant reminder that I’m just getting started. Three years later, my survivorship made me determined to be victorious in educating and advocating for all cancer thrivers through empowerment. I serve as an advocate in two capacities: Board of Advocate for the Stephenson Cancer Center and an Advocate Leader for Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
Teal Diva : Was it easy to embrace your scar?
Vernelia : Absolutely not! I felt like a ripped bag of potato chips but I knew it must be done for me to survive.
Teal Diva : How have you embraced your scar?
Vernelia : I’ve learned to accept my scar as a process of healing and recovery. A scar is something we can live with let alone cancer.
Teal Diva : What would you say to other cancer survivors to encourage them to embrace their scars?
Vernelia : In every battle, there are wounds and scars but embrace your journey with pride and courage.
Teal Diva : Does your scar encourage you in any way?
Vernelia : Yes my scar is a daily reminder for me to take care of myself and put me at the top of the list but most importantly appreciate life.
Teal Diva : Any advice for being body-positive post-surgery?
Vernelia : Don’t allow society to dictate how a person should look. We are all shaped differently and made in a beautiful image that makes us unique.
Teal Diva : Anything else you’d like to share with our teal sisterhood?
Vernelia : My passion for sharing my cancer journey inspired me to become a vlogger that provides insightful, impactful, and intentional information to assist anyone in life. I’m passionate about building Share The Tea with V with hopes of building a community of resources and networking.
You can connect with Vernelia on her socials
Instagram – Share the Tea with V
