Friday, February 2, 2024

Groundhog's Day and What is HER2?

 Happy Groundhog's Day! My hometown is located 30 minutes from this famous rodent. Here are some fun facts about this infamous day, courtesy of Morning Brew:

Since 1887, Phil has predicted longer-lasting winters 107 times and early springs 20 times, while for 10 years we don’t have records and once he was a no-show. That means he’s forecast longer winters in 84% of his known predictions. 

He’s also called for longer winters for the past three years.

This year, he didn't see his shadow, so it's 6 weeks till spring! Notice that he doesn't predict break up. 🤔


I thought I'd do some research on Perjeta and Herceptin and share what I find on how they're thought to work. The following information is directly from the Perjeta website and should be noted to be their intellectual property.

What is HER2?

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, receptors are found on the surface of cells, including healthy cells and cancer cells. Part of their job in the body is telling cells to grow and divide.

Graphic showing how HER2 receptors impact noncancerous cells compared to cancerous cells

HER2+ breast cancer cells have more HER2 receptors than normal. Too many HER2 receptors make these cancer cells grow and divide too rapidly, causing tumors to form.

PERJETA and Herceptin® (trastuzumab) target cells with too much HER2


PERJETA is given with another targeted treatment called Herceptin. Both treatments are designed to fight cancer cells that have too many HER2 receptors, but in different ways. Since normal cells also have HER2 receptors (just not as many), PERJETA and Herceptin can also affect healthy cells. These treatments may cause side effects, including serious side effects. 

PERJETA is thought to block one of the methods of signaling so that certain receptors are unable to pair with HER2. PERJETA and Herceptin work on different parts of the HER2 receptor, so they work together to build a stronger blockade. Because normal cells also have some HER2 receptors, targeted therapies may also affect them.

Thank you for keeping me company!



So far, I've heard of a honey badger and "not a sloth" being spirit animals of my friends. Do you have a spirit animal you'd like to share?






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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2024 at 3:01 PM

    Sharks are as tough as those football fans who take their shirts off during games in Chicago in January, only more intelligent.

    Dave Barry
    HEE HEE-Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2024 at 3:05 PM

    Shark quote that reminded me of you Steph. Stay jaw-some.-Sheila

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  3. Aunt JanetFebruary 5, 2024 at 11:57 AM

    Hi Steph- Am following your posts and am learning along the way with you - thanks to you. Hope you are continuing to have good days and Steve too. I always think of you when I see a hedgehog and see you are with the spirit of the shark community. How does one find their spirit animal? With Love, Aunt Janet

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  4. StephanieFebruary 5, 2024 at 2:20 PM

    I found this site that can be helpful. For me, it was an animal that resonated with me. They often hold a particular quality that could help you navigate life with a bit more ease, faith, and confidence. Check out this article and if you choose option 5, there is even a quiz! Mine came out a bear which interestingly enough, shares strength, confidence, protective power, and courage with the Great White Shark!
    https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-find-your-spirit-animal

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