Dear juliesbre, Lymph nodes are a system and are found throughout the body. At lymph node dissection for breast cancer a certain area of tissue under the arm is removed to examine the lymph nodes. The number of lymph nodes found in this area can vary greatly between women. Information about whether or not cancer is found in the lymphnodes under the arm gives us information about spread of the cancer and is part of the staging of the cancer. Finding cancer in another part of the body – such as the hips, pelvis and spine also gives us information about staging of the cancer. Decisions about her treatment will be based on this information. Breast cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the bone would be called stage 4.
Hi my name is Michele. I had 10 of 10 lymph nodes that tested + and 6 years later I am still "cancer free". I was told we are all very different in how many lymph nodes we have. My surgeon took all she could find in me but then I knew a lady that had over 30 taken out. They are like a strand of pearls that run throughout our bodies, there is a heavy concentration in the armpit area leading to and from the breasts. I think because of the spread to the other areas that will be the challenge. I hope you are blessed with great medical care and I hope your sister is on her way to a cure.