So Happy To Still Be Here

by Mary A. Whitfield-Perez
(Rancho Cucamonga, CA)

Hi My name is Mary, I retired in 2016 after working for 35 years in the healthcare field As a registered nurse and healthcare administrator. Retirement for me was an adjustment because I had to find my new normal and after about about two years it finally clicked in.

The only hiccup I’ve ever had in my working career was in 2006 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and weeks of radiation, I am happy to say I’m still here and blessed.

Now my days consist of gardening, reading, playing pickleball, traveling grandkids, my doggy, shopping, watching movies and crafts crafts crafts.

I started writing a book before I retired on exercise, health and wellness. I share my professional and personal journey with breast cancer recovery and working as a personal fitness trainer to help others.

The of my book is Work That Body Now! and is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book. Thanks to Wendy’s e-book on how to write a book in 30 days I was able to accomplish one of my bucket list goals and I am over the moon. Please visit my website at www.Work Thay Body NOW!.com. looking forward to reading all of your stories.

Comments for So Happy To Still Be Here

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I'm a B/C Survivor Too
by: Anonymous

Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your story and your book. It sounds really good.

Wow, I can relate as I too am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in 2016 a couple of months after my mom passed away. I was about 3 years away from retirement so took about a year and a half off work to get through all my breast cancer treatments.

I had planned to return to work for one more year following my radiation but for some reason couldn't seem to find my gumption to do so. The chemo and radiation took a lot of my energy. I had an extra boost of radiation at the end. I made a rash decision to retire after my radiation and then started regretting my decision.

My adjustment to retirement was a tough go. I sort of stumbled onto Wendy's retirement website and have to say how much she was able to help me through a difficult time. It was reading other's retirement stories that helped.

Your story is very encouraging. I'm doing a lot of positive activities now like, art classes and exercising.

I will check out your book!

Nice retirement
by: Donna, Augusta, Mo

My life sounds like a carbon copy of yours almost. As I read it I was wondering if I had written it lol with a few changes.

I worked as an RN 37 years 10 in Administration of those years, had breast cancer, double mastectomy, chemo in 2003. Retired in 2016 after 37 years.

Now, I love Pickleball and walking my puppy 3 yrs old daily.

Funny how similar we are.

PS I bought your book. I used to love writing in my journal every day but, I had quite a collection of them so I stopped.

Thanks,
Donna

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