Breast Cancer recurrence

I was diagnosed in Sept. of 2001 with stage 3 Breast Cancer.  I had a masectomy, including lymph nodes removed,  Chemo, radiation, Tram flap reconstruction and 5 years on Femara.  Last month I started experiencing alot of pain on the side of my masectomy.  Are there any symptoms for a recurrance.  My oncologist said after five years, I did not need to come in any more for follow ups, so I have not seen him for 2 years.  I just need to know if pain (deep stabbing pain) is an indication of a return???

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear harsus:  Pain can be an indication of many things, including recurrence.  However, without evaluation, it is not possible to guess at what might be causing your pain.  Pain, in general, is a signal that something is wrong and needs to be evaluated.  The easiest thing may be to contact your primary care doctor and let him/her start the evaluation process.  Depending on what the evaluation shows, it may be that all could be resolved through his/her office.  Although the risk of recurrence drops with every passing year, it is always possible to have a recurrence.  For this reason, many women choose annual follow up with their oncologist.  

[japdip]

Breast Cancer recurrance is rarely associated with pain such as you describe. Mets to other areas does of course cause pain which is usually the first symptom (bone, brain, etc.) I would certainly consult my Physician if I were you ... the Oncologist if you wish but I would think your Primary Care Physician could certainly order any tests needed to diagnose this recent problem. I believe if you insist on it your Oncologist will follow you on a yearly basis. If you would feel more comfortable seeing him/her then don't hesitate to make an appointment Best of Luck to you.