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Dear Amy:
Forgive me for my woeful lack of knowledge, but it is my understanding that hormonal therapies are for people who have PR+ or ER+ tumors. HER2 tumors are fundamentally different in the way they begin and grow than PR+ and ER+ tumors.
HER2 tumors are a result in a genetic mutation which causes cells to have too many growth receptors on the cell membranes of breast tissue. The growth receptors receive input as to when the cell should reproduce. If there are too many receptors, the genetic defective cells multiply faster than the immune system can kill them and a tumor forms.
If your oncologist thought hormone therapies would work for your mother, then the oncologist would be using them. You can always ask for a second opinion, but it sounds like your mother is receiving good care.
Amy, you and your mother will be in our prayers.
Lee
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This happened to Colleen:
Diagnosed in September 2007
ER-/PR-/HER2 Neu+++ 2.1 cm x .9 cm spicluted tumor with three fingers, Stage 2B
Sentinal node biopsy and lymph node removal with 3/18 positive in October 2007
4 TAC infusions
lumpectomy March 2008, bad margins
Re-excision on June 3rd, 2008 with clean margins
Fitted for compression sleeve July 16, 2008
Started the first of two TCH infusions August 14, 2008
Done with chemo and now a member of the blue dot club 9/17/08
Starting radiation October 1, 2008
life is still on hold
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