Breast cancer recurrence or infection?

Female, 59 yrs, dx invasive ductal carcinoma, 2 cm,  right breast  Jan 03. WLE and sample node removel (removal) Feb 03, two of 8 nodes positive. Total axillary node removal March 03. One more positive out of total 18 nodes. 6 x FEC chemo, and 45 grays radiotherapy, finishing Nov 03. Mammo in March 04 clear. Surgeon noticed cyst under my arm where axillary removal was - March 03.No action taken.  Breast is now very hot (one degree celsius higher than left breast)and I keep getting stabbing pains. Saw GP's nurse last Friday and px erythromicin for one week. Have appt with local GP this Thursday pm. Is it possible to get inflammatory breast cancer after having invasive ductal cancer? I was stage 2, grade 2, ER+ (no PR  or Neu2 tests done - live in England and surgeon said not necessary.) I am very concerned since the heat has not diminished after 5 days of antibiotics. Please advise.
Thank you for this forum - it is so helpful and straightforward.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear lizziecee, Inflammatory breast cancer refers to breast cancer that has invaded into the lymph vessels of the skin causing the "inflammed" - (reddened)look to the breast.  It is technically possible to develop an inflammatory cancer in the treated breast however, it would be a rare occurance.  Other possibilities could be infection (not yet responding to antibiotics), or flare after the radiation therapy.  Having your breast surgeon evaluate the situation would be appropriate.

[lizziecee]

Sorry, cyst noticed March 2004, not 2003.