How bariatric surgery restored a Rutherford mom's life
August 5, 2026
After years of struggling, Rutherford resident Larina lost over 200 pounds following bariatric surgery with Dr. Stephen Rich at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.
Cancer wellness support
Ascension Saint Thomas provides personalized cancer wellness and support programs throughout your cancer journey.
Cancer wellness support program in Nashville
Ascension Saint Thomas provides personalized cancer wellness and support programs throughout your cancer journey
About cancer wellness survivorship at Ascension Saint Thomas
Getting a cancer diagnosis can be difficult for you and your family. But you are never alone. At Ascension Saint Thomas, your care team supports you from your first appointment, through treatment and recovery.
Your care plan involves more than just cancer treatments. The Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Wellness and Survivorship program provides classes and resources to support your emotional, mental and physical well-being. These programs are funded through the Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation.
Cancer wellness classes and support groups
These programs are designed to support your overall well-being, including stress management, physical recovery and nutrition.
A certified exercise physiologist provides an individualized evaluation before you start any of our in-person programs.
Led by a certified exercise physiologist, our 12-week program provides personalized exercise guidance to help you achieve your goals. We can help you reduce fatigue, improve balance, build strength and reintegrate daily family, work and social activities. Let us help support you on your journey to renewed vitality and well-being.
Our yoga classes are part of a steady-paced session that focus on cultivating balance in both body and mind. Classes are tailored to accommodate the individual needs of participants, making it suitable and adaptable for those going through treatment or in recovery.
During each 30-minute session, the instructor gently guides you through mindfulness techniques aimed at fostering a sense of calm, inner peace and emotional resilience. Through focused breathing exercises and gentle movement, we help you cultivate awareness of the present moment, allowing for greater acceptance and self-compassion amidst the challenges of cancer treatment. This session is open to patients seeking a moment of respite and renewal in their journey toward healing.
Join our interactive discussions about nutrition and cancer wellness. Participants can gain practical strategies for maintaining a well-balanced diet to manage side effects, boost immunity and support overall well-being. Our class helps you understand dietary guidelines and explore specific nutrient-rich foods. Our goal is to equip you with knowledge and tools that help empower your dietary choices and promote healing and vitality as part of your cancer care.
In collaboration with Tennessee Oncology, these virtual support groups provide a nurturing space for those affected by cancer. We can help you find solace, support and educational resources. The support groups are led by compassionate facilitators who share experiences and exchange valuable information. Whether you're seeking a listening ear, educational programming or a community of understanding peers, our groups provide a safe haven to help empower, connect and heal.
The period after completing cancer treatment can be challenging and uncertain.. Our post-treatment support group helps you navigate this phase, sharing experiences and addressing post-treatment topics that matter most to our patients. Join an understanding environment where individuals can find solace and solidarity in their journey toward healing.
Supporting a loved one who has cancer can feel overwhelming at times. Our group aims to ease your burden by providing a supportive space for caregivers to connect, share experiences and access resources. Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or new to this role, we believe in the power of open dialogue and shared knowledge to provide comfort and assistance.
To register for classes, contact Saint Thomas Cancer Care Support Services at 615-284-CARE (2273) or STHCancerCare@ascension.org
Online oncology wellness classes
Talk with your doctor or call 615-284-2273 to learn about wellness programs at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, West and Rutherford.
Get a second opinion
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Thomas. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.
When you have received a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival
Frequently asked questions about our cancer care services
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person — your physical and mental health. We also provide compassionate, personalized support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Center, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our outpatient cancer specialists are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research. Find a location.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Saint Thomas cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Featured locations
Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Cancer Wellness Studio
2004 Hayes Street, Suite 225
Nashville, TN 37203
Ascension Saint Thomas West Wellness Center
4220 Harding Road
3rd Floor S & E Building
Nashville, TN 37205
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Wellness Center
1840 Medical Center Pkwy #203
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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Stories you'll love
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To fulfill an Ascension Living Alexian Village Tennessee resident’s dying wish, activities coordinator Amber Beam brought the New York Metropolitan Opera to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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In 2024, Dr. Stephen Rich, helps a patient with his bariatric journey at the Ascension Saint Thomas Bariatric Center.
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With the help of the Ascension Saint Thomas Joint Replacement Institute, a Nashville woman overcame joint pain and is now thriving on the set of ABC’s 9-1-1 Nashville.
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In January 2024, longtime CNA discovered she had an ischemic stroke, and Dr. Lani Thomas performed a life-saving thrombectomy at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro, TN.
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Middle Tennessee mother completes her treatment for ovarian cancer
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Dr. Jason Barnett, a gynecologic oncologist at Tennessee Oncology, helped treat a mother of two with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer that had spread to other parts of her body while receiving care at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown.
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