Recovering after cancer treatment—whether it’s chemo, radiation, or surgery—demands as much strength, determination, and resilience as the treatment itself. It’s essential to remember that recovery takes time.

This sentiment perfectly captures the journey of Survivor Fitness participant Russ Campbell. Russ was diagnosed with large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2023. His treatment began in February 2024 and consisted of six rounds of chemotherapy administered every three weeks. While he was fortunate not to require surgery or radiation, the journey was anything but easy.

The chemo treatments took a toll on Russ, particularly during the 72 hours following each session, which he described as the most challenging part of his journey. “It usually took a week to 10 days to feel somewhat normal again,” he shared. 

Tapping Into a New Level of Mental and Emotional Strength

For Russ, the recovery process was as much a mental battle as a physical one. Before cancer, he was an active 52-year-old who prioritized fitness, but chemotherapy left him dealing with intense nausea, weakness, and fatigue. To combat these symptoms, Russ leaned on his greatest assets: a strong mindset and an incredible support system.

“My wife and kids were instrumental in my success,” Russ said. “Their love and kindness were some of the keys to my recovery.”

Determined to stay active even on the toughest days, Russ pushed himself to move—whether walking the halls during treatment, going for longer neighborhood walks after treatment, riding his e-bike, or lifting light weights. “For me, I learned that perseverance was key. It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he reflected.

Getting Connected with Survivor Fitness

A few months after completing treatment, Russ sought a more tailored approach to his fitness recovery. A friend who had recently completed Survivor Fitness recommended the programs, and Russ decided to try it. With the financial burdens of his cancer diagnosis, the availability of these no-cost programs made starting his journey toward recovery a real possibility. 

Russ was matched with Jillian Spencer, a trainer at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin. From the very beginning, Jillian’s expertise and support proved invaluable. “Jillian was nothing short of amazing! She was instrumental in progressing the physical and mental aspects of my journey,” Russ shared.

Jillian began with a careful evaluation of Russ’s capabilities, introducing exercises gradually to prevent injury while building his strength and confidence. Weekly sessions provided a structure and commitment that kept him motivated. As he progressed, Jillian increased the intensity of his routines.

“Survivor Fitness gave me a catapult back into my previous fitness,” Russ said. “In the end, I came out of the programs feeling stronger, healthier, and mentally ready to tackle training on my own.”

Rediscovering Strength and Hope

Since completing the Survivor Fitness programs, Russ has maintained an active lifestyle. He spends an hour at the gym every day, rides his bike three times a week, and recently started rock climbing to add variety to his workouts.

“I’m feeling amazing and strongly recommend anyone who has gone through treatment to give Survivor Fitness a try. It was life-changing!” he shared.

If you or someone you know is navigating life after cancer treatment, Survivor Fitness offers the resources and support to help survivors rebuild their physical and mental health. Learn more about our programs or apply today to begin your journey.