CommunitiesHER2+Should I get chemo for small HER2 positive breast cancer tumor?

Should I get chemo for small HER2 positive breast cancer tumor?

NB

Community Member

a month ago

I am HER positive and HR positive. My tumor was very small. They told me since my tumor was so tiny and I had a mastectomy that I did not need any chemo just tamoxifen. I am scared that I am making a mistake not getting chemo but they said chemo is very toxic and would be overkill. Ugh. So hard. Anyone else HER positive with no chemo or herceptin.

4
14 comments
Comment
HB

Community Member

a month ago

Similar profile. I’m taking Phesgo (Herceptin & Perjeta) via injection. So far am able to handle it. Will be adding hormone therapy soon.

4
CA

Community Member

a month ago

Treatment decisions for HER2 positive breast cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing the benefits and risks of different options. Many people in this community have navigated similar decisions about chemotherapy and targeted therapies, and connecting with others who share your diagnosis might help you feel less alone in this process - consider sharing more about what specific concerns you have so community members can offer their experiences and support.

2
TG

Community Member

a month ago

The battle is already being fought for you, and we are here for you. You could get a 2nd opinion to see if there's other options. I had stage II HER 2+ and did all the treatments chemo radiation lumpectomy and immunotherapy as well, and praise God my mammogram is clear and I am in remission. Taking Tamoxifen and trying my best to get back to myself again. 🙏 Just know we know how overwhelming all the information is and everyone is supporting you no matter your decision. God Bless you during this time

4
JM

Community Member

a month ago

I'm in a really similar spot - HER2+ with a small tumor and feeling so torn about whether skipping chemo is the right choice. It's such a hard decision to make and I totally get that fear of wondering "what if" either way you go.

2
JM

Community Member

a month ago

I would not skip targeted therapy like herceptin and even better if insurance allows it phesgo..both do not require a port and take 5-10 minutes of a subcutaneous shot with few side effects.. surprised they didn’t offer it for her2

3
DT

Community Member

a month ago

I had the same but because of my lymph node involvement and being grade 3, I had 6 rounds of tchp chemo before surgery. Glad I did because shrank my tumor to nothing. Still have 4/5 positive nodes so radiation and Kadcyla for 14 treatments and anastrozole.

3
TG

Community Member

a month ago

You all are so brave and strong 💪 ❤️ going through something life changing isn't for the weak, but you are strong and will get through this. We are here for you 🫶

2
TG

Community Member

a month ago

I have been taking Tamoxifen, but had a hysterectomy in Dec, so just started Anastrazole. Has anyone had any side effects from Anastrazole? Tamoxifen gave me terrible hot flashes and weight gain

1
SH

Community Member

a month ago

I was the same. I only had surgery. Bc my Pr was low so technically her2+ only. This was almost 2 years ago I had 4 opinions and they all agreed no chemo or herception

0
LC

Community Member

23 days ago

What grade was your tumor? I'm in a similar situation, stage 1a, triple positive. I opted for a lumpectomy. I'm absolutely getting chemo and Herceptin, because my tumor was grade 3. If yours was grade 1, it seems completely reasonable to skip the strong medications.

GA

Community Member

20 days ago

Insist on Chemo. And 2017 I was HER positive, stage 2. I had double mastectomy and chemo and it returned in 2022 as stage 4. Also, insist on scans at least once to twice a year if you are early stage. This is not standard protocol, but it needs to be

NB

Community Member

20 days ago

What kind of scans will they do twice a year.

TG

Community Member

17 days ago

My Oncology team jumped to put me on all the chemotherapy, but of course for 33,000 per treatment why would they not, right? I feel like since I am in remission they dont really care about me like they were jumping whenever all that was going in my body, and they burned my arm and the tech that would take blood was so mean to mean. 😭 Then they tell me she is no longer here, well Jesus I hope not! How could you hire staff with no compassion! What we go through is so critical, and we matter, not just getting money from us! I swear I could write a book ladies .. I understand what you're going through, I truly feel human compassion and alot of healthcare workers need to learn how to have compassion out there! All I can say is get second opinions if needed and dont let anyone treat you bad! God Bless you all, you are healed by his stripes🙏

CW

Community Member

7 days ago

I am stage 1 triple positive and am in the middle of chemo now and immune therapy but I couldn’t take the pergeta due to severe diarrhea and dehydration but I am staying on the kanjenti immune therapy along with my taxotere and carboplatin. And am having my lumpectomy in May then radiation and I will continue the kanjinti for a year.

Outcomes4Me

© 2026 Outcomes4Me Inc. All rights reserved.