Breast cancer in lymph nodes

Hi, 

Just looking for anyone who has been through similar. 

My mum was diagnosed with bilateral stage 1b grade 2 ductal breast cancer. She has had her operation and they successfully removed all cancer from the breasts however the two nodes removed from the right have come back positive.  She has been told she will need upto 19 sessions of radiotherapy from the armpit to the neck area ( anyone know why ?) She has been told she doesnt need anymore surgery i am just curious as to why they would not choose to remove the nodes. She will also be on hormone medication and she has been told she will have bone strengthening treatment.  We go for her appointment on Thursday to find out when the radiotherapy will start so hopefully get more information then.  Until then however i am going out my mind thinking this all sounds very negative. 

  • Hi Sounds1,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. This sounds like a lot to take in and I can imagine it must be a little confusing and uncertain. Try to make a note of any questions you have so that you're ready to discuss everything and to get all the information you can at the appointment this week. The specialist at the appointment will be best placed to answer the questions you have here.

    If you feel you'd like to talk things through with someone in the meantime, our nurses are available on 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5).

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • My mum had stage 3 triple negative breast cancer with node involvement but still had 3 weeks radiotherapy after node clearance. She later found out that they suspected possible chest lymph node involvement although they didn't say at the time. Not saying this is the case at all but that's why it's important to ask as many questions as you can. My mum is also on bone strengthening treatment too and is almost 3 years past diagnosis and so far cancer free x