we got pathology reports back. My sister's cancer spread to the lymph nodes

[Ms. Toad]

35. Deep breath. It is still very treatable.

Fortunately, mine (diagnosed nearly a year ago) was confined to the breast - but it's still quite the merry go-round. Talk to the multiple doctors they'll throw at you. Have her take someone with her to every visit to be an extra set of ears. Ask lots of question. Do lots of research.

Make sure they do genetic testing on the tumor itself - it is a good predictor for how well the tumor will respond to the variety of treatment combos.

Remember - nothing is mandatory. I did everything they recommended, as did my grandmother. My mother didn't. Mom's nearly 20 years out from her first breast cancer - she had a new cancer in the 2nd breast, but nothing the additional therapy they recommeded would have prevented; my grandmother died ~20 years after hers (with metastasis, but not from cancer).

Check in to the cancer group here. It's a friendly bunch (Health>Cancer) Breastcancer.org is another good source of support.