it has been earlier suspected that mom is HER2+ (positive) due to quick recurrence of her bc from right to left. but later suspicious became negative, but it was really vague until it has been confirmed!!!, mom HER2 is negative. yehey!! her HER2 count is 1.7, anything lower than 4.0 (<4.0) is negative. above 4.0 is positive.
What does HER2 means?
The HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is one such gene that can play a role in the development of breast cancer. According to mom's onco, if HER2 + Positive it means that the cancer cells that was taken out from mom last August was the aggressive type and she may recommend mom to undergo a series of chemo...so as to prevent quick recurrence.. But if HER2 - Negative, it means the cancer cells was not the aggressive type that it is easy to control by just taking a tamoxifen pill a day will prevent recurrence.. which is her case!
To summarize, mom cancer cells profile is:
ER + (estrogen)
PR + (progesterone)
HER2 -
it simply means that what triggered mom's cancer cells is her hormones (the estrogen and progesterone), and therefore a hormone therapy pills would be a good treatment to mom. mom only needs to continue to take her hormone therapy pills (Tamoxifen) for five years everyday. NO chemo!! it is just like taking vitamins everyday.. not bad right? in fact it is the most convenient form of treatment :)
we were cheering to the Lord, praising God (even in front of onco!) i didn't care. HER2 - is like winning a jackpot, or the best christmas gift!!!!
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
Final Bills:
$80 - consultation
$42.50 - 3 months supply of Tamoxifen pills
----
$122.50
the tamoxifen only, no chemo, no radiation treatment to mom after surgery is due to her profile below:
ReplyDeletestage = 2A (lymph nodes negative)
size = 2.8 cm
age = 64
previous total abdominal hysterectomy
ER = positive
PR = positive
HER2 = negative
God is good!!! Thank you Lord for the life you have lend to us. May you use our mom to bring glory to you through all the days of her life...