Beyond Treatment: Building a Powerful Support System for Life After Cancer

For many cancer survivors, the journey doesn’t end with the final treatment. While the fight against cancer itself is a monumental challenge, the road to recovery and a thriving life after diagnosis brings its own set of hurdles. Studies show that more than half of cancer survivors have to overcome new physical limitations caused by treatment, and a significant number grapple with anxiety and depression. At the same time, research also shows that social support can be one of the main factors in improving the quality of life at any stage of the recovery process.

That’s why building a strong support system after cancer treatment is crucial. It’s a powerful tool that can help survivors navigate the physical, emotional, and social challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Our programs at Survivor Fitness were created with this goal in mind. We’ve experienced firsthand how isolated and overwhelmed survivors (and their families) can feel after treatment, and we wanted to design programs that foster connection and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. 

Having worked with hundreds of inspiring survivors, we’ve compiled some valuable insights and strategies for building a support network that will uplift you on your journey.

Building Your Village: Ways to Find Support After Cancer Treatment

Think of your support system as your own personal village—a network of people who provide strength, encouragement, and practical assistance on your journey. Here are some key ways to build this village:

1.) Mental Health Counseling

Cancer treatment can leave emotional scars. Mental health counseling offers a safe space to address anxieties, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Therapists can equip you with coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. They can also help you develop communication tools to effectively express your needs and feelings to your loved ones. Investing in your mental well-being through therapy is an investment in your overall quality of life.

At Survivor Fitness, we’re thrilled to announce that we recently integrated mental health counseling into a program through a partnership with BetterHelp. 

Physical Activity Programs

Exercise can help combat fatigue (a common post-treatment challenge) and improve overall physical fitness. But getting your body moving isn’t just good for your physical health; it can also profoundly impact your mental well-being. The endorphin rush from physical activity can also significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Additionally, engaging in physical activity programs provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and fostering a sense of control over your health.

2.) Nutritional Support

Proper nutrition is vital to recovery and overall health after cancer treatment. Learning about foods that boost energy can be particularly helpful in managing fatigue. A good nutritionist can also guide you through any changes in your diet that may have occurred due to your cancer experience. They can also help you develop a personalized plan that addresses any lingering side effects, supports your recovery process, and promotes long-term well-being. 

3.) Reinvigorating Friendships

Don’t underestimate the power of your existing support system: your friends, family, and loved ones. Talk to them about your needs after treatment, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, even with small tasks. Remember, treatment can sometimes shift relationship dynamics. It may be helpful to suggest specific ways loved ones can be supportive, such as grocery shopping or childcare. By being clear about your needs and fostering open communication, you can strengthen existing bonds to create a more robust support system.

4.) Cancer Support Groups

Connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of survivorship can be incredibly validating and reduce feelings of isolation. Support groups offer a safe space to share fears, anxieties, and triumphs. You’ll gain valuable emotional support and encouragement from others who have walked a similar path. Additionally, they provide a sense of community and belonging, helping participants to foster new friendships and combat loneliness.

By incorporating a combination of these elements, you can create a well-rounded support system that caters to your physical, emotional, and social needs. This holistic approach empowers you to manage your health, fosters a sense of community, and ultimately improves your overall quality of life.

Encouragement for the Journey

Building a solid support system takes time and exploration.  Here are some helpful insights gleaned from our participants:

  • Be Patient with Yourself: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find your perfect support system overnight. Explore different options and give yourself time to see what resonates with you.
  • Focus on Shared Activities: Plan outings or activities everyone can enjoy, keeping any physical limitations in mind. This is a fantastic way to rebuild connections and create new memories.
  • Mindful Communication: Focus on the present and avoid dwelling on the past or making assumptions about how you should feel. If helpful, develop a mantra or mindfulness practice to stay present.
  • Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your post-treatment milestones, big or small. This helps maintain a positive outlook and keeps you motivated.
  • Focus on Your Individualized Needs: Everyone’s needs and preferences are different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building a support system. The key is to find what empowers you to thrive.
Survivor Fitness: Programs to Help You Thrive

At Survivor Fitness, we understand the unique challenges cancer survivors face after treatment. By creating a supportive environment and fostering a sense of community, we can empower survivors to thrive—not just survive. 

Our programs are designed to be a cornerstone of your support system, offering a holistic approach to your well-being. We combine personalized 1-on-1 training to help you regain strength and confidence, nutritional coaching to optimize your health, and mental health support to address any emotional hurdles.  

If you’re looking for a comprehensive program designed specifically for cancer survivors, we encourage you to learn more about our programs or apply today to join our supportive community. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. With the right support system in place, you can live a full and vibrant life after cancer treatment.

Participant Spotlight: Ashley Blum

The fight against cancer can feel like a whirlwind of activity punctuated by moments of stillness and fear. The physical, mental, and emotional toll can linger long after treatment ends, making the journey to recovery a complex one. 

Ashley Blum, a participant in the Survivor Fitness program, has navigated these obstacles and discovered newfound strength and resilience even after treatment.

A Jarring Diagnosis and Unexpected Hurdles

As a young mother, Ashley’s world shifted on February 2, 2018. What she initially believed to be a clogged milk duct turned out to be a life-altering discovery. Following an initial consultation with her midwife, a series of tests—ultrasounds, and mammograms—unfolded over the next week. Finally, on February 15, while enjoying lunch with a friend, Ashley received the earth-shattering news: a diagnosis of primary angiosarcoma, an uncommon and aggressive form of cancer in her left breast.

“While awareness and research abound for breast cancer,” Ashley shares, “discovering the rarity of my condition intensified my fear exponentially.”

Despite the unexpected nature of the diagnosis, Ashley opted for a single mastectomy with an aesthetic flat closure. Supported by a loving network, she embarked on her healing journey. Scans became a regular part of her routine, and running became a powerful tool in her recovery, culminating in a half marathon four weeks after surgery. However, eight months later, the physical imbalance caused by the flat closure mastectomy led to significant back pain, necessitating a second mastectomy.

Running had become a vital part of Ashley’s well-being, a source of both physical and mental strength. In July 2022, another setback arose when she fractured the talus bone in her ankle, requiring two surgeries.

Coping with “Scanxiety” and Finding a New Community

Losing the ability to run was a significant blow. The constant anxiety surrounding the possibility of the angiosarcoma returning, a fear often referred to as “scanxiety,” weighed heavily on Ashley.

“Emotionally, I found myself in turmoil,” she explains. “Coping with ‘scanxiety’ presented a formidable challenge.”

Faced with an extended recovery period and the inability to run, Ashley’s oncologist suggested exploring the Survivor Fitness program. After reaching out, she was quickly paired with A|Train Fitness in Nashville and began the program.

With a focus on finding new ways to move her body due to her injury, Ashley’s participation in Survivor Fitness evolved into a source of hope, strength, and renewal.

“Learning new ways to move has changed my life,” she says. “I’ve been able to regain my wellness more than I ever imagined.”

Beyond the physical benefits of learning new exercise techniques and routines, Ashley discovered a profound level of emotional support within the Survivor Fitness community.

“Through this program,” Ashley shares, “I forged meaningful connections, honed my strength training skills, and received invaluable coaching from remarkable individuals.”

Today, Ashley remains actively involved in the program, regularly participating in the Saturday in-person workout classes with other Survivor Fitness alums.

Finding Hope and Support Beyond Treatment

For cancer survivors navigating a similar path, Ashley offers a message of encouragement: “There are support networks available to assist individuals facing similar challenges. Connecting with someone who has firsthand experience can be profoundly reassuring and comforting.”

The Survivor Fitness community stands ready to offer the support, guidance, and encouragement you need to thrive. If you are a cancer survivor looking to reclaim your strength after treatment, we invite you to learn more about our Survivor Fitness programs or submit an application today.

Board Member Spotlight: Chris Guay

Professional portrait of Chris Guay.

Survivor Fitness thrives because of the incredible people who believe in our mission. We’re fortunate to have a board of directors that is comprised of passionate leaders and talented individuals who dedicate their skills and experience to positively impacting the lives of cancer survivors. Chris Guay is a shining example of this dedication.

A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, Chris founded Vitality Living, a leading provider of active independent and assisted living communities. Since its launch in 2016, Vitality Living has flourished under Chris’s leadership, becoming a top senior living company nationwide. His passion for people and commitment to quality service have allowed the organization to serve over 2,000 residents across the country.

Chris’s energy, strategic thinking, and innovative approach are evident in his work at Vitality Living. But it’s his inherent desire to help others that truly inspires him. This desire is what led him to join the Survivor Fitness Board.

Finding a Connection with Survivor Fitness

Chris connected with Survivor Fitness founder Aaron Grunke during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Chris collaborated with Aaron to secure COVID tests for Vitality Living employees and residents, he learned about Aaron’s story and the inspiration behind Survivor Fitness. Chris felt an immediate call to action, compelled to support the organization and its mission.

As Chris became more involved, he discovered a close friend had been one of the program’s first participants following her breast cancer battle. This personal connection further solidified his decision. Cancer touches us all, and Survivor Fitness was making a tangible difference.

“I am new to the organization,” Chris says, “but was drawn to it by Aaron and other survivors’ stories of how going through the Survivor Fitness Program helped them gain not only physical strength but confidence after battling cancer.”

A Personal Connection and a Shared Mission

Personal health and fitness are cornerstones of Chris’s life. Like many, he has witnessed the impact of cancer firsthand.

“I have watched too many loved ones fight this disease,” Chris reflects, “and have seen the negative impacts it has during and after treatments. Gaining the confidence that they are strong and their bodies can be healthy again is one of the most valuable aspects of cancer survivorship.”

Chris firmly believes that supporting an organization aligned with his passion for wellness and fighting cancer is a calling. “I am extremely honored and excited to help more survivors find and experience our program,” he adds.

Since joining the board, Chris has been consistently inspired by the stories of program participants.  Hearing firsthand how Survivor Fitness empowers survivors and transforms their outlook on life fuels his dedication.

For those considering starting the Survivor Fitness program, Chris offers these encouraging words: “Don’t let cancer define you and make you feel weak. Battling the disease takes a mental and physical toll, but our program can help you get your strength back and more.”  These powerful words encapsulate Chris’s unwavering support for our mission.

Survivor Fitness is incredibly grateful to have Chris as a board member. His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable as we strive to grow and reach more cancer survivors.  But most importantly, Chris’s passion for our mission and his calling to be part of our organization is a powerful asset that will make a difference in the lives of our participants.

To learn more about how we help cancer survivors reclaim their mental health, read more about our program or submit an application today!