Let me start with this: I didn’t know what HER2 was either. Sounds like a Star Wars droid or a protein bar, right? Turns out, it’s a protein—and in my case, a very bossy one.
Recently, I found out I’m HER2 positive, a diagnosis that means some of my esophageal cancer cells are producing way too much of this HER2 protein. That overproduction basically sends signals that scream, “Grow faster! Go nuts!” to the cancer. Not great.
But here’s the silver lining: science has figured out HER2’s game—and they’ve developed some powerful tools to fight back.
What Does HER2 Positive Mean for My Treatment?
Because I have HER2 positive esophageal cancer, I qualify for a treatment plan called targeted therapy. Instead of blasting my whole body with traditional chemo, these meds act more like snipers—aimed precisely at the HER2-overproducing cells.
And that’s just the beginning.
I’m also now eligible for checkpoint inhibitors, a form of immunotherapy that helps my immune system recognize cancer cells and attack. Basically, it takes the brakes off my immune system and tells my T-cells: “Hey, see that HER2 nonsense? Take it out.”
It’s a one-two punch:
- HER2-targeted therapy: cuts off the protein party.
- Checkpoint inhibitors: unleashes my immune system to crash it.
So… Is This Actually Good News?
Weirdly enough—yeah, it is.
Being HER2 positive means my cancer is more aggressive. But it also means there’s a proven, highly targeted treatment path. And right now, that’s a huge win. These therapies represent some of the most cutting-edge approaches in oncology today.
There are still no guarantees. Side effects are real. Risks are real. And this whole thing? It’s draining.
But being HER2 positive gave us a strategy. A direction. And after weeks of scans, scopes, biopsies, and Google rabbit holes, I’ll take strategy over uncertainty any day.
What Comes Next
We’re learning as we go. We’re showing up for appointments. We’re asking the questions. Zanne’s by my side, Molly (our Bernedoodle) is never far behind, and I’m doing my best to keep my sense of humor intact.
If you’ve been through HER2 positive cancer—or you’re in it now—I’d love to hear from you. Sharing stories helps more than you know.
And if you want to understand more about HER2 positive esophageal cancer and how targeted therapy and immunotherapy work, this article from the American Cancer Society is a solid, easy-to-understand explainer:
