Participant Spotlight: Corinne Davis

Corinne Davis survivor fitness participant

The feeling of a life-altering diagnosis can often be compounded by its timing. For Corinne Davis, a routine mammogram in June 2024 revealed hormone-positive HER2-negative breast cancer, arriving just four days after celebrating her son’s fifth birthday and two months after her 41st birthday. As she describes it, “It could not have happened at a worse time.”

Corinne, who self-identifies as an athlete at her core, found her life abruptly rerouted. After a lumpectomy in August that showed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, she faced a brutal regimen of eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by 21 rounds of radiation that stretched from October 2024 to March 2025. While she finished chemo and radiation with strength and grit, the emotional and physical toll of treatment lingered long afterward.

The Unseen Damage: Starting Over After Treatment

For cancer survivors, the moment treatment ends is rarely the moment healing begins. For Corinne, the consequences were significant.

“The cancer treatment drastically affected my mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” she says.

After finishing treatment, Corinne found herself struggling with basic, functional movements. She was in desperate need of a structured program that could bridge the gap between physical therapy and a full return to her active life. The fear of losing consistency and momentum led her to search for help.“I was fearful that I would not be able to remain consistent with my fitness alone. I needed help, and Survivor Fitness showed up right on time,” she recalls.

A Partnership in Recovery: Finding Herself Again 

The Survivor Fitness program managers helped Corinne connect with a dedicated team at 360 Fitness, where trainer Marissa guided her through every movement and exercise.“She pushed me when I needed it and provided great feedback on how to perform the movements that were more difficult for me to understand,” Corinne explains. The personalized attention and knowledgeable training environment allowed her to redefine herself.

“Being an athlete has always been who I am at my core. The Survivor Fitness program and 360 Fitness have made me feel like I can be athletic again. Breast cancer took so much from me, but this program did not let it take my strength, endurance, or mobility.”

For Corinne, this journey was about much more than just lifting weights; it was an act of reclamation.

“It was important for me to reclaim my health. I wanted to see the healed version of myself. An inactive Corinne is not an authentic Corinne. I wanted to look in the mirror to see an accurate representation of who I truly am.”

Corinne’s story shows the powerful things that happen when the medical side of care and the wellness side of recovery join forces. When doctors and wellness programs like ours work together,  survivors are supported in every part of the healing process, during treatment and beyond.

Connection and Community: Continuing the Journey with a New Perspective

Corinne’s fight continues. Because her cancer was hormone-positive, she faces a long-term treatment plan: ten years of ovarian suppression injections, aromatase inhibitors, and CDK4/6 inhibitors. These medications, though life-saving, can cause debilitating side effects. But with the structure and support of Survivor Fitness, Corinne has found a way to combat these challenges head-on. 

“The post-cancer medications I take to prevent recurrence are brutal on my body, causing weight gain, bone loss, fatigue, and joint pain. Survivor Fitness has helped me take back what cancer stole from me.”

Her experience has shifted her perspective on life, moving her toward a philosophy of connection and community. She recognizes the profound isolation she felt during and after treatment.“Survivor Fitness gave me a reliable and committed fitness community. It makes a huge difference knowing I have a community of trainers that work with me to help me achieve my goals.” 

Equally important has been her family.

“I am forever grateful for my family and friends who supported me and dropped everything in their lives to show up for me. My husband continues to show up and do what is needed—he is my rock. My son has handled everything so well despite how much it rocked his world!”

Ready to Rebuild?

Corinne Davis’s journey illustrates how post-treatment life doesn’t have to be a return to life with limitations—it can be a reclamation of strength, confidence, and joy.

Her story also underscores the value of integrated survivorship—making sure medical treatment and wellness programs connect to help individuals recover and heal holistically. 

Thanks to the generous support of our partners  at Williamson Health, we can make the Survivor Fitness program available to more people who need it. This partnership allows survivors like Corinne to continue their healing with the strength and community they deserve.

If you or a loved one is a cancer survivor struggling to regain strength, mobility, and confidence after treatment, Survivor Fitness can help you write your own comeback story.

Take the first step toward reclaiming your authentic self. Learn more about our Survivor Fitness programs or apply today!

Managing Scanxiety: A Survivor’s Guide to Coping with the Fear of Recurrence

two women showing strength in a gym

Waiting for follow-up scans and test results after a cancer diagnosis can stir a unique kind of fear. Many survivors call it “scanxiety.” It’s a mix of nerves, dread, and hope that comes with every follow-up appointment. And it’s not a small issue. Research across many cancer types shows that up to 85% of survivors deal with some level of scanxiety. That means most survivors know this feeling well.

Scanxiety is a real and heavy part of life after cancer. A cancer survivor once told us, “I was never as scared during treatment as I was when I entered survivorship.” 

Nearly every Survivor Fitness participant has talked about the mental and emotional challenges of their post-treatment journey. We want to help you feel less alone by sharing strategies that can make the waiting and worrying a little easier.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Coping with Scanxiety

There’s no single way to make scanxiety disappear, but research shows that small, consistent steps can help ease the worry. Here are a few practical strategies that many survivors have found helpful:

1. Pause, breathe, and give your mind a quiet break.

Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery can help calm your body and quiet racing thoughts. Studies suggest that relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and stress during medical follow-ups. Even five minutes of slow, steady breathing before a scan can make a difference. Here are some relaxing breathing exercises for anxiety from BetterHelp, our mental health counseling program partner. You can also check out this helpful video that walks you through a simple breathing exercise.  

Try building a routine of mindfulness, whether it’s meditation, prayer, or simply sitting quietly and focusing on your breath.

Learn More: Check out Self-Care Strategies for Managing Stress for Cancer Survivors.

2. Stay active to help your mind and mood.

Movement is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. Survivors who walk, stretch, or do light exercise often report feeling less tense before and after scans. One study noted that physical activity was one of the most common coping strategies among cancer survivors dealing with scanxiety. The movement does not have to be intense. A short walk outside, a yoga class, or light strength work can help boost your mood and remind you that your body is still strong and capable.

Learn More: Explore Gentle Exercise Tips for Cancer Survivors.

3. Share your fears with friends, family, or fellow survivors.

Scanxiety often feels heavier when you try to carry it alone. Talking with someone you trust can help ease the weight. That might mean a family member, a close friend, or another survivor who understands. Many survivors say that having someone accompany them to appointments makes the experience less overwhelming. Social support has been shown to reduce distress, and it gives you a reminder that you don’t have to face the waiting period by yourself.

Learn More: Discover How to Build Your Support Network After Cancer Treatment.

4. Seek professional support that can give you tools to cope better.

Sometimes the anxiety feels bigger than you can manage on your own. That’s normal, too. Counseling, support groups, or therapy can provide tools to work through fear and uncertainty. In fact, studies show that therapy focused on relieving anxiety and fear of recurrence is effective in lowering scan-related stress. 

This is one reason Survivor Fitness added mental health counseling to our programs. We know that physical health and mental health are deeply connected. Healing after cancer often requires both.

Learn More: Gain Insights for Building Mental and Emotional Resilience After Cancer Treatment.

5. Focus on what you can control.

Uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of scanxiety, but focusing on small things you can control helps calm the mind. Research found that cancer survivors who used proactive coping strategies—like preparing questions for their doctor, planning healthy routines, or setting aside time for rest—reported less anxiety while waiting for results. Simple steps such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule, preparing meals that fuel your body, or writing down concerns to bring to your next appointment can make the unknown feel more manageable.

Learn More: Read Science-Backed Strategies for Living Healthier After Cancer.

You’re Not Alone

Scanxiety is one of the most common struggles survivors face. It can feel isolating, but the truth is that almost everyone who walks this path knows what it’s like to wait for results and wonder about the future.

At Survivor Fitness, we’ve seen how survivors use these strategies to regain control, reduce fear, and focus on living fully after treatment. We’ve also seen how powerful it is when survivors share their stories. Hearing from others who understand can remind you that you don’t have to face scanxiety alone.

If you want to read more about how other participants are finding hope and strength, explore our Survivor Fitness participant stories. You’ll see real people who have faced the same fears and discovered tools to move forward.

You can also learn more about our programs or apply today to take your next step toward a more resilient and hopeful future. 

Participant Spotlight: David Staton

David Staton standing near a bridge

For most people, cancer comes without warning. One day you’re managing life as usual, and the next you’re facing appointments, treatment decisions, and an uncertain future. And even when treatment ends, you’re faced with the new challenge of deciding how to move forward and reclaim your life. 

For Survivor Fitness participant David Staton, that decision came with a clear motto: Choose life.

David faced cancer head-on with grit and determination. But he’ll be the first to tell you that the journey isn’t easy. From treatment side effects to mental battles and the weight cancer places on loved ones, David faced many significant challenges and difficult decisions. 

Choosing to participate in Survivor Fitness’ personal fitness program was one of the “easy choices” that helped him regain not only his strength but his confidence.

Facing an Unexpected Diagnosis

“I was the guy who was always healthy,” David shared. “Rarely went to the doctor.”

In 2020, David started working out regularly after a little encouragement from his daughter. That small shift toward a more active lifestyle would lay a foundation he didn’t realize he would need.

“In 2022, after experiencing symptoms, I was diagnosed with advanced, aggressive cancer,” he said. “Being in the gym leading up to that prepared my body for the fight ahead.”

But nothing truly prepares you for the toll that cancer treatment takes both physically and mentally. 

“When you find yourself weak, unable to do what you’ve always done, it can really affect your mental state,” he said. “And wondering if the cancer will return is always on your mind.”

Finding Strength Again with Survivor Fitness

After finishing treatment, David knew he didn’t want to slip back into survival mode. He wanted to live. 

“I was not ready to roll over and give up,” he said. “Survivor Fitness showed me that you can get your life back.”

David’s connection to Survivor Fitness came through his daughter, who was friends with Survivor Fitness Trainer Carrie Loughlin at A|Train Fitness in Nashville. When Carrie learned about David’s diagnosis, she assured his daughter that Survivor Fitness could help. 

“I’m thankful for my introduction to Survivor Fitness  every day,” he said.

The experience made a significant impact from the very beginning.

“Carrie knows how chemo affects your body, and she knows the steps to take to begin  working out consistently again,” David explained. “She showed me that I can do more than I think. Getting over that mental obstacle is so important.”

Throughout his time with Survivor Fitness, David has built a new kind of discipline.

 “I do not view fitness as an option or a hobby,” he said. “Fitness is the gateway to life and health. I don’t work out because I feel like it, I work out because I want to live.”

“I incorporate what I’ve learned into every workout,” David shared. “Survivor Fitness has given me tools I use every day.”

The Bigger Picture

While David’s personal growth has been powerful, he’s also mindful of the impact his cancer diagnosis had on his family—especially his wife.

“It not only takes a toll on you, it affects everyone in your life,” he said. “Watching my wife completely shift from normal life to being my caregiver has been hard. She deserves the world after all she has done.”

Today, David shares his story with others, encouraging fellow survivors to take their next steps toward recovery and healing. 

“I have told so many people who have similar stories about Survivor Fitness,” he said. “Recent clinical studies show how important exercise is in the fight against cancer. You can’t just depend on medicine alone. There are things you can do that will make a difference.”

Get Involved with the Survivor Fitness Community

David’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is more than just surviving; it’s about making intentional choices to reclaim your strength and your life. At Survivor Fitness, we’re honored to walk alongside participants like David, who are choosing life each day.

Whether you’re a cancer survivor ready to take your next step or someone looking to support this mission, we invite you to learn more about our programs or get involved today.