Think of the cancer in your lymph nodes as footprints through an exit door. They check the nodes to see if there are cancer cells found there and, if there are, it's an indication a few cells may have migrated elsewhere. Your lymph nodes are like little highways to other parts of your body. I know someone also used to tell me to think of chemo as "little soldiers" going into your entire system and killing any cancer ANYWHERE. The fact that you were lymph positive could also mean you may need radiation to focus treament on that area specifically. Don't listen to your surgeon about adjuvant treatment because ONLY your oncologist can advise what treatment you'll need based on your final path report. (sorry for all the analogies but they seem to work for me).
Hope this helps.
thank you so much for answering my questions
They do remove the nodes but when they are found to be positive for cancer Chemo is usually a part of the treatment. This of course will be determined by your Oncologist. All test results will be considered and a treatment plan formulated for your particular case. Any and all treatment after surgery is done to eradicate any cancer cells that may remain and also to aid in the prevention of recurrance.