Pitzer Adventures - Grace's Breast Cancer Journey

Pitzer Adventures

Grace Pitzer's Breast Cancer Journey

12/14/2025

Celebrating Eight Years

It has now been over eight years since my breast cancer diagnosis, surgeries, chemo and radiation. My checkups have been clean, and I am now on a yearly schedule. I continue to take Tamoxifen, to get rid of estrogen, and have annual bone density scans.

We have been living at Mary’s Woods, a CCRC (Continuing Care Residence Community) in Lake Oswego since January 2021. It is a beautiful setting of over 40 acres, all within walking distance of the Willamette River.

There is so much to do here and so many friends, that I have little time to think about how I am doing, which is great. I get to the gym (a five-minute walk) several times a week and play ping pong even more frequently with my friend Suzie who lives down the hall.

In April I traveled to Hawaii for a week in Honolulu with my friends Suzie and Sharon, also from down the hall. We had perfect weather and a delightful time. This included a tour of half the island and a hike up Diamond Head. I climbed to more than half the way to the top.

In May I had my cataracts removed, and now I can see much better, although I still use readers some of the time. I’m enjoying the brighter colors and I don’t have to wear glasses, but do most of the time.

Here at Mary’s Woods we had the summer games again; two weeks of enjoying playing and seeing so many folks out enjoying the lovely weather. I putted, played bocce ball, croquet and shuffle board.

I continue being involved with Delta Kappa Gamma. I am the state webmaster, help with my chapter, Beta Beta, and am on the board and webmaster for the Beta Beta Education Foundation. This gives me a second set of friends, and duties – like hosting zoom meetings.

In November I spent two nights in Cannon Beach with three friends from my floor and a sibling (Suzie, Yvonne, and Sharon and her sister.) We had lovely weather and enjoyed walking on the beach and did a little shopping. It was a lovely time.

Paul has been continuing to do his best to deal with Parkinson’s Disease. He goes to exercise classes six days a week, quite faithfully. All but one of those classes are in the swimming pool, which he enjoys.

As the year winds down, we are very thankful for having moved to Mary’s Woods where we enjoy many friends and a full calendar of events.

All for now! Grace

Grace Pitzer's Breast Cancer Journey

11/2/2024

Celebrating Seven Years

It has now been over seven years since my breast cancer diagnosis, surgeries, chemo and radiation. My checkups have been clean, and I am now on a yearly schedule. I continue to take Tamoxifen, to get rid of estrogen, and have annual bone density scans.

In April I flew to Phoenix to spend a week with my friends, Suzie and Sharon, in Scottsdale, AZ. We had a great time. In May I took the train to Klamath Falls, in Southern Oregon, to attend my annual DKG conference/convention.

The summer here at Mary’s Woods was filled with a number of fun events; some I helped plan and in others I participated. My building had its annual potluck and then there were the “Summer Games.” I joined in by putting, playing croquet, bocce ball and shuffleboard. I also helped my building residents stay on schedule.

This summer I was able to again attend a “Pink Martini” concert with my friends Suzie, Sharon and Ruth. We were rained out of the first date but enjoyed the concert when they rescheduled.

The end of September Paul and I took our neighbor Suzie to The Dalles. That gave me the opportunity to photograph many of the murals on the city’s buildings. We then spent two nights in Hood River and visited the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum; a very impressive facility.

We continue to feel that our move to Mary’s Woods (Jan. 2021) was the perfect move for us. Paul is getting all the support and activities he needs for his Parkinson’s and I am filled with plenty of the social, educational and emotional support I like and need.

All for now.

Sample Murals in The Dalles, Oregon

Scottsdale

Paul at Potluck

Shuffleboard Game

Waiting for rain to stop at Pink Martini concert

Air & Auto Museum

Grace Pitzer's Breast Cancer Journey

12/10/2023

Celebrating Over Six Years

   It has been over six years since my diagnosis, surgeries, chemo and radiation for breast cancer. All is going well and I continue on Tamoxifen, which is anti-estrogen, but also builds bone density. On both counts I have had good reports. I will see my oncologist in February and hope for another good report.
   We miss our place in Green Valley AZ, which we sold in the spring of 2022 after twenty years. However, we are still very happy with our move to Mary’s Woods, a CCRC (Continuing Care Residential Community) in Lake Oswego, OR. We are both staying very busy with exercises and social events.
   We managed to go to Cannon Beach for a couple of delightful days in November. I continue to take some photos and produce an occasional video. And, I was able to do some very fun things with my friends Suzie, Sharon and Cassandra.
   So, I’m happy to report that there is nothing new to report. All for now.

Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach

Grace Pitzer's Breast Cancer Journey

9/14/2022

Celebrating Five Years

            It has been five years since my breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo, radiation and starting anti-estrogen drugs, in 2017. I continue to see my oncologist (a new one) and my endocrinologist regularly. They are happy with my bone density scans and are keeping me on Tamoxifen along with some supplemental calcium. Since I am not having any adverse side effects, I plan to stay on the Tamoxifen for the recommended ten years. Research shows that it is very beneficial against reoccurrence.
            Our move to Mary’s Woods in January 2021, has proven to have been a great decision. It is a CCRC – Continuing Care Residence Community with about 650 people living independently and over 100 in the care facilities. We moved in just in time to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.
            The Covie-19 pandemic is still with us, but now we are freer to be with people. Paul and I have been fully vaccinated and have remained healthy.
           Looking back, it appears that 2021, and so far in 2022, have been quite busy. Here at Mary’s Woods, I have remained active on the Community Life Committee and planning social events for my building. In the spring, summer and fall of 2021 I took many pictures around campus and published a book titled “My Mary’s Woods,” and sold many copies. I also created two videos, one about Mary’s Woods and the other about the “Olympic Games” we had in the summer. In the fall of 2021, I taught a 10-week class on the iPad where 40 people registered. Then in the spring of 2022, I taught a 5-week class on iPhone Photography. This time I limited registration to 20. I will be repeating this class this fall. Paul is managing his Parkinson’s Disease quite well with exercises every day, including lots of water volleyball.
            In the summer of 2021, I attended an in-person conference with DKG and stayed five nights at the Marriott downtown. It was fun working the conference as a photographer and seeing people from around Oregon and the nation. We had two sets of friends come through Portland as part of their cruises on the Columbia River. Bruce and Wanda stayed overnight with us. We took Tom and Lydia down to the coast on a beautiful day.
            One sad note, at least for me, was that when we went to Green Valley, Arizona as usual for the winter, we sold our place that we have had for 20 years. We have enjoyed going there every year and made many friends. The good thing is that my connections with the camera club continue.
            So, I am happy to report that I remain healthy, happy, and busy, with no evidence of disease.

Went to UofO Game with Melanie

Wanda and Bruce

Tom and Lydia at Canon Beach

House we sold in Green Valley, AZ

Grace's Breast Cancer Journey

5/26/2021

Celebrating Four Years

This has been the weirdest year in many ways, especially with everything shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been four years since my breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo, radiation, and the subsequent anti-estrogen drugs in the summer of 2017.
            At the end of my post a year ago, I mentioned that I had been accepted as a patient by an endocrinologist who specializes in bone density loss. My last scan had shown a significant loss in the density of my wrist, so my medications were changed. I discontinued the Aromatase Inhibitor Letrozole and switched to Tamoxifen and Alendronate to build back bone density. The results of my August meetings with her, and another bone density scan, determined that I had had a faulty test earlier, which led to my unneeded medication changes. I have been left on the Tamoxifen, but dropped the Alendronate, and my bone density is normal for my age. I have tolerated the meds with no side effects.
            We spent the summer and fall of 2020 secluded to protect ourselves from the virus. We watched many wildfires close to Portland causing many bad air days. In the fall, our neighbors decided to move to Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst, which is a lovely Continuing Care Residents Community just south of Lake Oswego. In October Paul got a dual diagnosis of prostate cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. Since we had planned to make the same kind of move as our friends, we decided this was the time, and followed them to Mary’s Woods. When we first saw the apartment we liked, I told Paul that I would like to be moved in and settled by our 50th Anniversary on January 30th. We succeeded.
            So, in January we downsized, sold our condo, and moved. Paul completed his radiation treatments for the prostate successfully. Both of us are attending support groups, on campus, for the Parkinson’s patients and caregivers.
            In May, as the pandemic is getting under control, and as we have been vaccinated, we are increasingly sure that this is the right place for us. We are enjoying meeting other residents without masks. I’m finding that there are other Beaverton teachers who live here. I also met for coffee with a resident who was a volunteer in my Breast Cancer Support Group from St. Vincent. The saying “It’s a Small World” seems to apply here at Mary’s Woods.
            I am starting to teach some iPhone Photography here at Mary’s Woods, and have joined the Community Life Committee as my building representative. This committee plans the “fun stuff” on campus. The campus is beautifully landscaped, with many lovely gardens and paths leading all the way to the Willamette River. The residents and staff are all very friendly.
            And, through all of this, I have been a Zoom Master for several groups and all my state DKG events and the rehearsals leading up to them.
            I continue to be examined every six months and am deemed cancer free at this point. At least I am “Dancing with NED;” No Evidence of Disease.

That is all for now. Check the main website for other activities.
Grace

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Grace

Grace and Paul in the Sunflower Field

Condo Front Porch

Mary's Woods, Our New Home

We Eloped 50 Years Ago

Scheduled Wedding

Grace's Breast Cancer Journey

5/5/2020

Celebrating Three Years

It has been three years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy on May 10, 2017. That was followed by chemo and radiation. Details are available on previous post.

I’m happy to report that I’m doing quite well. The transitions off of Letrisole, which was causing bone density loss, and onto Tamoxifen, a different anti-estrogen drug, have gone smoothly. The only side effects from either of them have been a few hot flashes: none that last long or are frequent and mostly at night. I am now also taking Alendronate, which is a bone density builder.

We did take a three-week trip to Ireland in Sept./October, 2019 and really enjoyed it. The fact that it rained much of the time did not stop us as we are Oregonians. The third day after arriving, however, I tore a cartilage in my knee, so I spent the remainder of the trip on crutches. I didn’t let that slow me or the others down. It seems to have healed and is not giving me any trouble. I did have to quit my aerobics class that I had been taking and transition to working out on machines in the gym.

Since the middle of January we have been at our place in Green Valley, Arizona. I was able to teach all eleven of my classes at the camera club, all but one of them on iPhone Photography. They were very popular.

Then came the Covid-19 virus and everything changed. I have to say being here isn’t as much fun as it is when we don’t have to stay home and we can meet with friends or go to the pool. We plan to return to Portland mid May. By then we will be really tired of the 90 -100 degree weather.

In July I am scheduled to see my oncologist for my 6 month exam. I have also been accepted as a patient by an endocrinologist who specializes in bone density loss, and I will see her in July as well.

I will report back in a year unless there is something noteworthy to share.

That is all for now. Check the main website for pictures and other activities.

Grace's Breast Cancer Journey

9/6/2019

Celebrating Two Years

It has been two years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, March 23, 2017. I had a double mastectomy on May 10 with no reconstruction. The pathology was estrogen responsive positive (ER+) and progesterone and HR2 negative (PR-. HR2-.) My Oncotype DX Genomic test showed I would benefit from chemotherapy, so I had 4 sessions, 3 weeks apart, in July and August, and 28 daily sessions of radiation in October through November.

On December 1, 2017, I started taking Letrozole, which is an Aromatase Inhibitor that does away with the rest of the estrogen in my body. This is a medication they want people with estrogen positive tumors to take for at least five years: ten is better.

Now to the present. In July 2019 I had my biennial bone density scan. Two years ago my level had dropped to what they call osteopenia, which is below normal, but probably fairly normal for a person my age. This year, the scan of my femur and hip were about 1% lower, but my wrist and lower arm were down 10%. That was significant. Since the Letrozole I had been taking for a year and a half, causes bone loss, my oncologist immediately stopped me from using it. There is another class of drugs they called Tamoxifen, which will actually build bone density while giving cancer protection. It is usually used for pre-menopausal women, but can be used by anyone. She ordered that one for me. I took two weeks off between the two drugs and then started the Tamoxifen on August 21, 2019. I had thought I was getting by well, with few side effects on the first drug - just a few hot flashes. Now, who knows how the new one will affect me. If there is one thing I have learned from going to the Breast Cancer Support Group at St. Vincent, is that no two people react the same to medications. All I can do is hope for the least and most tolerable side effects.

Then, there is the issue of the bone density loss. My primary care doctor wants me to go on Fosamax, which builds bones back. I didn’t want to start two meds at the same time as both have known side effects, so I asked if I could wait until we return from Ireland in the middle of October before starting the Fosamax. Not a problem, and probably a good idea. In the mean time, I will research another bone med that is done by infusion once every six months. That is the one my sister is on so looking into it could benefit both of us.

Other than all of the above, I am doing quite well. Nothing has changed my positive attitude on life, and I keep involved with my photography and maintaining five websites, including this one, and enjoying friends and family..

I’m working with my neurologist to figure out how I can get more sleep, and not get out of bed between 3-4:00 am. The good thing is, I usually go back to sleep in our recliner. I am still attending an aerobics class three times a week, and trying to walk the other three or four days. I’m not sure what is causing sporadic fatigue, but could be the meds, lack of sleep, or just age. I don’t want to admit that one.

My pacemaker keeps on doing its thing; actually working about 75% of the time to keep my pulse from going below 60 bpm.

Paul and I have managed to do some traveling this last year. We were in Green Valley, AZ for the fall of 2018 and then back for the winter of 2019. I again taught a number of classes at the Camera Club there.

This summer we took a tour that started in Yellowstone and then went through the Canadian Rockies. It was a good trip, but a bit rainy so we didn’t always see the mountains.

Right now, Paul and I are looking forward to a three week tour of Ireland. As a result of its timing, we will not be going down to Green Valley this fall, like usual, but plan to be there for the winter and spring of next year.

I look forward to another pretty smooth year. I am trying not to take time for granted, and to make the best of it. Time and life are precious, and that was brought home to me recently when I lost a good friend to cancer.

I’ll try to post an update in a year, or sooner if anything noteworthy happens. My motto is still "No Regrets."

That is all for now. Check the main website for other activities.
Grace

Old Faithful in Yellowstone

Falls in Yellwstone

Lunch in revolving restaurant in tower, Calgary

Bow Falls, Banff

Ready for a mine tour

On top of Sulphur Mountain after gondola ride; Banff

Lake Louise

Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Ice Field

Spirit Island in Maligne Lake

Grace’s Breast Cancer Journey

7/23/2018

Celebrating One Year Mark

Looking back, it seems like it was a long time ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 23, 2017 followed by a double mastectomy on May 10, 2017. The following four sessions of chemo in July and August went about as well as they could. (Read previous posts for the specifics.) I managed twenty-eight daily sessions of radiation in October-November without getting burned or having excessive fatigue. However, I’m sure that many of these memories are fading, which is a good thing.

Since my cancer type was Estrogen Responsive Positive (ER+), and all the other types negative, I need to take an anti-estrogen medication for 5-10 years. The Aromatase Inhibitor I have started is Letrozole. It is one of three types in this class of drugs, and so far I have not experienced any adverse side effects other than HOT FLASHES. Wow, I thought I was done with them long ago. Fortunately, they don’t come too often or last too long.

I am also happy to report that in February-March I was back teaching classes at the Green Valley Camera Club. When we returned to Portland, I took advantage of some photo opportunities that included tulip fields and a walking iPhone class offered by Apple. We also attended a Timbers soccer game when the Providence Cancer Institute provided me and fellow survivors with four tickets. We enjoyed the company of our friends Alberto and Shannon.

I have now passed the one year mark, and have seen all my appropriate doctors. They have all given me a good report. I see my oncologist, Dr. Acheson, in six months and the others in a year.

To celebrate, I plan to do the Komen “Walk” for the Cure here in Portland on September 16, 2018, and am hoping some of my friends will join me.

We will also be back to doing some traveling this summer, so watch for posts about eastern Canada on my Travel Blog.

Thanks go to my many friends who have been so supportive through this whole experience.

That is all for now as I am back to a normal life and hoping that my motto of “No Regrets,” where I did everything recommended, will pay off.

Grace

Grace's Breast Cancer Journey Continues

12/28/2017

End of Radiation and On With Life!

Wow, what a year 2017 has been. It definitely had its high and low points, but the good thing is that it is ending on the up side.

To do a brief recap: the year started with our going to Green Valley, AZ in January followed by a two week trip to Cuba in February. That was when I discovered a lump in my armpit. The end of March I had it biopsied and it was diagnosed as a lobular carcinoma. Since we were scheduled to leave in two days for a two week photo expedition cruise around Baja, California, we were encouraged to go. It was a great distraction. (See photos under Photo Gallery menu above.)

We returned to Green Valley then home to Portland in mid April when the whirlwind started. An MRI showed that I had several tumors in the breast on the other side, which the 3-D Mammogram did not show. So, on May 10 I had a double mastectomy. My cancer type was Estrogen Responsive Positive (ER+) and the Oncotype DX test showed that I would benefit from Chemo. I started the four sessions of chemo on June 28 and the last session was on August 31. I managed the side effects, which you can read about in previous posts.

In October 13 I started radiation treatments. They were daily for 28 sessions, ending on November 20. (My November 4 Post tells the details of the sessions.) There were a couple of side effects. One was fatigue. Since I was already back to working out at Curves three days a week and walking three days, I found the fatigue minimal. The other effect was like a “sun burn.” I managed to keep that to a minimum by using two gels: Aloe Vera 99% and Calendula three times a day. After the last treatment I was given a prescription for 1% Silver Sulfadiazine Cream which is used on burns. I applied it thickly twice a day. Dr. Gannett, my radiation oncologist was always pleased with how well I was doing. I saw him on December 18, one month after my last treatment, and should not have to see him again.

Meanwhile, on November 29 I met again with Dr. Acheson, my medical oncologist. She was pleased with how well I am doing. We had a discussion about what comes next. My type of breast cancer is Estrogen Responsive Positive (ER+.) This means it feeds on estrogen. Believe it or not, our bodies continue to produce estrogen after menopause, so it is important to shut down all of it. Therefore, there are various medications that are recommended to reduce the risk of the cancer re-occurrence. Since I do not have a bone density problem, I qualify for the class of drugs called Aromatase Inhibitors (AI.) Dr Acheson is starting me with Letrozole. It is important to be able to take one of these for at least five years. If I tolerate this one, great, if not there are two other AI drugs to try. I started December 1, and so far so good.

Then there is my hair. It has now grown out to about an inch long. I can tell there will be some curl, at least for a while. It will be some weeks before I stop wearing something, hat, scarf or wig, because I’m cold otherwise.

Then there is my heart issue: totally unrelated to my cancer. I continued to have occasional AFib episodes. I had a 48 hour Holter Monitor test which showed no pauses over 2 seconds. I also had an echo stress test (with treadmill) which shows my heart muscle is healthy. All Good News!!! Since I’m on the blood thinner Eliquis I don’t have to worry about blood clots and strokes, so until my AFib episodes get to be too frequent or of concern, I don’t need to have anything done about them. It is good that I have two cardiologists looking after me.

About the time I started chemo I learned about the Breast Cancer Support Group sponsored by Providence St. Vincent, which meets twice a month. I have attended all but one session since then, and find them very helpful. I have been able to learn from others going through what I have, am or will go through. The women who run the sessions are also very helpful, and I plan to continue attending when I can.

So, this ends the year 2017, and I’m so thankful that I have made it through all of these annoyances and blips to my health. I’m looking forward to the new year and getting back to “normal.” We look forward to returning to Green Valley, AZ for the winter where I have twelve classes already scheduled for me to teach at the Camera Club.

I will post again in the future every once in a while to chronicle any changes, or to just let you know I’m doing fine. You can also check back periodically to see photos of our travels. That was the original purpose of my website, since travel and photography are my special interests.

Until then, thanks for reading about my breast cancer journey. I hope it has been informative.
May we all have a Happy New Year!

Grace

Melanie and I attended a University of Oregon Game in Eugene. Felt like going!!!

We were trying out the "Portrait" mode with stage lighting on my new iPhone X.

Paul and I enjoyed Christmas Day with Paul's cousins.

Grace's Breast Cancer Journey Continues . . .

11/20/2017

Thank You: From My Sister

Dear Special Friends of Grace,
   Grace is my older sister. We've been together for many years ;0)
She means the world to me. I would prefer to be the one to do all the things for her that I will mentioned. Since it was impossible for me to do all that, along came you folks, "Grace's Special Friends".
   "Thank you!" to each one of you for coming along side her, cheering, comforting, and doing whatever you did, to make her year bearable, enjoyable at times, and doable because you were there for her. I deeply appreciate what you have done and wanted you to know my observations as time went by and Grace's sense of well-being because you were there for her.
   This is Grace's last week-end before her last Radiation treatment, and then there is "recovery time."
   Some of you were with her from the beginning, making trips to the doctors, and taking notes which relieved her mind so she could focus on what was being said.
   Some of you took on the "Care-Giver" role.
   Some of you periodically provided transportation.
   Some of you cooked special meals, and brought them over for Paul and Grace.
   Some of you sent her flowers, cards, and your prayers and love.
   Some chose to wait in the waiting room during her surgeries. I know that Paul appreciated your support, as well.
   Some called to see how she was doing; and, my guess is, some of you checked on Paul to see how he was doing.
   I'm sure I left out some of your acts of kindness toward Grace.
   Grace is a wonderful sister to me and a great example for me to follow on this road of recovery.
   May each of you stay in good health for many years to come; and if not, may you be surrounded by the same kind of friends that you have been to Grace to help see you through.
   May God bless you as you have blessed others.

Very Sincerely,
Gayle

Created: Oct. 24, 2015
Updated December 14, 2025

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Grace and Paul Pitzer
We hope you will keep checking back regularly to see what is new. I'm always out and about with some camera and love to stretch my skills and add to my volume of work.
Motto: "Pack light and take lots of pictures."

Paul: [email protected]
Grace: [email protected]