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When surgery is first done they usually can tell what the real size and number and location of tumors in the breast are and whether or not there is any spread to the lymph nodes, but it takes several days for the lab test for HER2 to be completed and to come back to the doctors. Recommendations for therapy for a tumor under 1 cm are usually milder, unless you are strongly HER2 positive or you have lymph node spread, or physical exam happens to raise other questions.
It is hard to hear that your tumor is small but for other reasons could be more likely to come back or metastasize. It sounds like that might be the situation for you. Being strongly HER2 positive means you probably will need to consider more intensive therapy.
If there is any good news, it is that for some who are strongly HER2 positive, Herceptin/trastuzumab has been a breakthrough drug.
This is a good place to ask questions so don't hesitate.
AlaskaAngel
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