Understanding Breast Cancer HER2

I asked a dear friend, Mrs. Kelly if she could share some things about the HER2 breast cancer here. Kelly an I have known each other for a long time. As a matter fact I believe, I was still single when my parents and I, first met Kelly and her lovely family. She's such an encouragement,  an amazing wife and mom. She has a walk with God that from what I've seen is wonderful.

The cancer I have and Kelly has though not exactly the same I believe, in this post she can help those who've asked me questions to better understand. So the following is from my dear friend Mrs. Kelly Johnson:

"It seems like every month I hear about someone else that I know being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I was saddened when the phone rang a few weeks ago and Paula told me her news.  None of us in this particular “club” like to have new members added.  

When I was diagnosed people came out of the woodwork to tell me about their mother, aunt, cousin, friend, and even their own diagnosis.  Well meaning people said things like, “My aunt had it and she just had a simple surgery.  No problem.” Insinuating I shouldn’t worry or do much about my cancer.

Another person said, “My mom had it.  She died three weeks after she was diagnosed.” This made me feel that death was imminent and all was hopeless.

Paula and I, like the majority of cancer patients, fall somewhere in between.  We understand that people are struggling to say the right thing, so don’t be afraid to talk to us.  However, please be sensitive to Paula’s spirit.  There will be days and moments when she is struggling.  She will need encouraging words.  Only the Lord knows the future so words like, “I love you.”  “I’m praying for you.”  “I’m here to LISTEN.”  “What day can I clean your house?” “What day can I bring a meal?” “Do you have a specific prayer request.”  “I’m cheering for you.” These are GREAT words!!!!!  

In the pathology of breast cancer there are several diagnostic markers they look at:  ER (estrogen receptor); PR (progesterone receptor); and HER2+++.  These are the three main things that medical science knows CAN fuel/feed breast cancer.  Among breast cancer patients we define ourselves as triple positive, triple negative, or somewhere in between.  Again, Paula and I fall somewhere in between.  

Treatment for breast cancer is three-fold: 1. remove the main tumor (surgery) 2. kill any tumors cells growing elsewhere in the body (usually with chemo and radiation) 3. block whatever is feeding the tumors (hormone blocker, ovary removal, target therapy).

Triple negative means that other than surgery, normal chemo, and radiation; the medical field isn’t really sure yet what is “feeding” these tumors.  They “hope” they get it all with those three main treatments.  I have several dear friends that live today and they are triple negative.

Triple positive means that you will have surgery, chemo, possibly radiation, hormone blocking medication, and target drug therapy for the HER2+++, which I will cover more in depth next.  Triple positive cancers have the most weapons to use against them, which is good, but they can be just as harmful. 

As I said, Paula and I fall somewhere in between.  However, we both have at least one positive.  A very aggressive form of breast cancer called HER2+++.  I have a dear friend Lynn that abides in Heaven today that helped me with my journey while she was a few years ahead on the same road.  It is not a death sentence for everyone, but this kind of cancer does need aggressive treatment.  Through the years there has been much advancement in this particular area of the disease, for which I am very grateful and have reaped a great benefit. 

While Paula goes through the treatment, surgery, and “starving out” of the cancer; let me encourage you to reach out with kind words.  Once Brother Bill and Paula have made their treatment decision, respect it.  Please don’t judge them.  This journey is hard enough without feeling like they have to make everyone happy, while trying to navigate what will make Paula’s years of life the healthiest and most productive.  As always, it is important to leave our eyes on the Lord for the outcome. When we ask the Lord for His direction and peace and He shows it, I believe we are being good stewards of our lives when we follow that direction.  

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.  (Proverbs 4:26)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  (Psalms 37:23)

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  (Proverbs 3:6)

HER2+++ INFORMATION

Genes and Breast Cancer

One way to distinguish breast cancer cells is through your genes. When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will test the cancerous cells to determine their genetic makeup. 

How Many Are HER2-Positive?

1 out of 5 breast cancers overexpress the HER2 gene. HER2-positive breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and spreads more quickly than other cancers. That’s why it’s important to find out if the cancer cells in your body contain this protein.

Facts and Figures on HER2 Recurrence

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) conducted a study to determine recurrence risk for HER2-positive patients. Results showed that those who tested positive for HER2 at an early stage of the condition — with tumors 1 centimeter (cm) or smaller — had a higher risk of recurrence. 

HER2 Survival Rates

The MDACC study found that those who were HER2-negative had a five-year survival rate of 93.7 percent.

Researchers also found that HER2-positive patients had:

• around five times the recurrence risk of those who were HER-2 negative

• close to three times the risk of recurrence of those who tested negative for HER2

Factors Affecting Recurrence

The risk of recurrence with HER2-positive tumors is significantly higher than with HER2-negative tumors.

Tumors that are HER2-positive are more often associated with factors that increase recurrence rates. For example, HER2 tumors are more likely to have higher nuclear grade. Generally, the higher the nuclear grade, the more aggressive the tumor.

HER2 tumors are also more likely to show positive margins during breast surgery. Positive margins occur when cancer cells extend beyond the edge of tissue that’s removed. HER2 tumors also have a higher likelihood of residual disease being found when additional tissue is removed.

HER2 General Prognosis

According to The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), up to 70 percent of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer respond to treatment. However, total remission for the condition occurs in around 7 to 8 percent of patients.  (YAY this is me right now!!)

Targeted treatments (medicines that target the HER2 protein) have improved the prognosis for HER2-positive patients. Remissions can also be lengthy, offering another bright spot in prognosis. NEJM reports that remission can last more than 15 years for some patients. (I’m praying!)

Targeted Treatment

Being diagnosed HER2-positive brings special challenges to breast cancer patients. The HER2 protein can make your breast cancer more aggressive. It can also make it harder to treat with hormone treatments used for other types of breast cancer.

However, drugs like trastuzumab and lapatinib target HER2 directly — and effectively.  A new drug, pertuzumab (Perjeta), was approved by the FDA in 2014. This drug, when used in combination with other drugs, shows some very promising results for improving prognosis and survival rates for patients with HER2 cancer."

So family and friends,  hopefully you aren't scratching your head saying, "huh"? It's my desire to see souls saved, people come closer to the Lord ashall well as have family and friends understand even if just a little what is going on. 

BE STILL AND KNOW!