What Does HER2+ Mean?

Her2 is a protein that regulates cell growth. A positive (+) indicates rapid growth, while a negative (-) indicates slower growth. An excessive number of cells growing uncontrollably can lead to tumors.

Human Estrogen Receptor positive ductal carcinoma…I’m 76, diagnosed last June, 2024…I decided no lumpectomy or mastectomy! I had thyroid cancer and had my throat cut open twice, also had basal cell skin cancer on my leg and lip, cut out, and squamous cell skin on my cheek, also cut out, took 6 rounds of nuclear radiation over a year and a half, I was like a zombie, but survived all that, so I feel very blessed, but at 76 years old, living my life is important, over recovery from a lumpectomy or mastectomy, my second oncologist was compassionate and understanding and agreed it’s my life, my choice…(first oncologist I got away from after initial visit and her insisting that I had no other options but to have either of the surgeries then no chemo, at my age, but would need 30 consecutive days of radiation, then 5 years on Anastrozole, I said no thanks)…New, second opinion oncologist said it’s an aggressive cancer, Her2+, but also said tumor has been there atleast 2 years, and I had my regular mammograms and it wasn’t detected, but my opinion was if it’s so aggressive and I had it for 2 years, that to me is not very aggressive if mammograms didn’t even see it, so how quickly is another 2 years growth? I’d be 78 by then, so I know I’m telling in detail but my decision may be helpful for someone else! The Anastrozole I took from June, 2024 until October, 2024, with my head in the trash can every day, all day, and had all the menopausal symptoms, those 4 months was not living! Doctor empathized with me and I started Letrozole 2.5mg daily since November, 2024, it’s now February, 2025, I have no side effects except I only get maybe 3 hours sleep, the meds can and obviously caused insomnia with me, but I’ve adjusted my sleep schedule and take 3-4 two hour naps throughout 24 hours daily, and I end up having enough energy to shop a little, have lunch with a friend, go to church, visit my daughter, take my dog for a walk, then sleep whenever I can, family and friends understand if I say I have no energy I need to sleep! I missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, 3 birthdays with grandchildren, BUT I’m accepting a new lifestyle, and learned to say I can’t!…December mammogram showed tumor there but hasn’t gotten larger, scheduled in March for another mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy if needed, I’m not suggesting my decisions are for any one else, but if tumor takes another two years to get bigger than I’ve bought myself a better quality of life than what I would’ve had had I listened to the first oncologist..from what I understand it takes 180 days for a tumor 2 1/2 cm to enlarge at 2%, 180 days is 6 months times 2 in a year, I will be then 77 and I’ve been blessed to make it a whole year, so I pray a lot, I eat healthy, walk my dog daily just a block or two for exercise, and if I stay on Letrozole another year or 2 years and turn 78, I’ll be forever grateful!!! I don’t expect to live as old as my dad, I buried him right before my diagnosis, he was 102 years old!!! Really!!! So, I’m hoping to see 78, then prayerfully to 80 years old…my choices are based on having gone through what probably most of you are going through with the other cancers I had, it was ugly!!! So, I’ve been there, and done that 20 years ago, if God is with me, and He is, my faith will provide my hope, knowing He is in control of my destiny anyway, and my head isn’t in my trash can 24/7 , my way of wanting to live my life is of quality not quantity, I’m a cancer survivor and fought hard and made it to 76, I believe I’ll enjoy Easter with family and have a summer to HOPE for! I will pray for each and everyone of you that you all do what’s best for you and you all end up even celebrating 102 years old like my dad! God bless you ALL, do what’s best for yourselves and your family! Enjoy your quality of life to the fullest! Do research and don’t be afraid of second or third opinions! And this is the first time I’ve posted on this OutComes4Me, you all touched my heart with your stories! Be strong, fight, and never give up! I’ll check in after my next exams, until then live, laugh and love! A positive attitude makes a big big difference, stay positive! Hugs to all of you very brave, strong and courageous women, and men too! Love, and make everyday a special day! Be blessed! Sincerely, Diane ❤️

Thank you!!!

HER2+ refers to breast cancers that have higher levels of a protein called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), which can make the cancer grow and spread more quickly. The good news is that there are very effective targeted treatments specifically designed for HER2+ breast cancer, and many people with this diagnosis go on to live full, healthy lives.