Grandma has cancer..can anyone answer questions??

Kopela_Rodos

My grandmother was just recently diagnosed with cancer. She is 70 years old. They removed the lump (it was 3cm's) and they also removed lymph nodes from her underarm. From the lymph nodes removed 18 of 22 were cancerous. She lives in Rhodes Greece and has to fly to an oncologist in Athens for more information etc now.

My question is, does the lymph node surgery that she had give the doctors information on the stage of the breast cancer? She had many other tests (bone scan was clear, blood tests were clear) One test revealed 2 very tiny specks on her thorax.

I am just trying to understand what stage of breast cancer she has? I am on my way to Greece this coming Thursday and I am hoping to find out a boatload more. I am very stressed and worried sick over this. Any information would be a blessing.

Thank you very much and godbless.

sushanna1

Hi there.

The short answer is "yes," the lymph node surgery helps the doctor to "stage" the cancer.  If you go to breastcancer.org's homepage, you will find a chart that describes staging.  It is is under symptoms and diagnosis, understanding breast cancer, or you can try this link:   http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/what_is_bc.jsp   

Good luck.  Be strong for your grandmother.

Sue