The 56-year-old, who is taking part in the cancer fundraiser Relay for Life, has a new role with Dunedin's Cancer Society, setting up a pilot programme to help other people move on from their illness.
Dr Walthert was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly four years ago, had a double mastectomy and subsequent reconstruction, chemotherapy, and a year's treatment with herceptin.
Unlike some cancers, breast cancer did not have a simple test to determine when someone was in remission, which was one of the challenges in "getting on with life" afterwards.
It took a long time not to associate every twinge, pain, or minor illness with the return of cancer.
In her new role, Dr Walthert works four hours a week to set up a pilot "survivorship" programme.
Something of a "guinea-pig", it would go beyond what survivor groups offered, targeting all types of cancers, with an emphasis on research.
The former GP also works part-time teaching at the Dunedin School of Medicine.
Combining her medical expertise with her experience of cancer, she would analyse cancer research and guide people's understanding of it.
Unfortunately, much "misinformation", which was not "evidence-based", circulated about cancer.
The pilot, to start later this year, would probably include a practical exercise class component, as research was particularly strong supporting its use.
Involved with the Beyond Pink Resistance Exercise programme for breast cancer sufferers, at the University of Otago, Dr Walthert said breast cancer sufferers received more support than many other types, and she hoped the pilot would help redress that.
Her Beyond Pink team-mates were joining the Cancer Society's support group team, Living the Journey, forming a group of 18 "plus helpers" for the relay.
The 24-hour relay starts at noon on Saturday at Logan Park in Dunedin, and has 102 teams registered.
