Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer - recurrence

Hi to everyone on this difficult journey

In 2012, I was diagnosed with ILC breast cancer following a routine mammogram when I was 60. Straightforward lumpectomy (three ops - second to obtain clear margins and third because of a haematoma).  O node 3 cm and Hormone Receptive. Was treated concurrently for Thyroid cancer which was an incidental finding when I was being ‘measured up’ for radiotherapy on CT. The latter was a complicated procedure as it was a huge tumour - total thyroidectomy followed by large dose of Radioactive Iodine to ablate remnants. RAI can cause late tumour - solid or blood. 

Health has been hit and miss since then and currently very poor.  Last mammo in 2021 when I was 70. Aware that ILC is difficult to detect on mammo.  Also aware that (according to my wonderful BC nurse) it can be a ‘late returner’ and creep back years later.

Moved house in 2022 and local breast screening refused to let me self refer for routine screening although I know that this is the protocol. They said that I needed GP referral and argued relentlessly. I gave up as I didn’t want to bother GP.   

in 2022, my half sister died 6 months after dx of Triple Neg Stage 4 De Novo   I was urged to continue mammos until age 80

Im used to the feel of my breasts and know the location and feel of scar tissue and effects of radiation. Yesterday was upset to find a hard, peaasized lump in same breast. Have had rib pain in right ribs for ages but suspected gall bladder may be reason. Contacted GP.  Appt tomorrow.

Obviously I’m concerned and have read a little today but consensus seems to emphasise that ILC doesn’t present as a lump. I’m aware that it could be a different form of BC. I’m pretending to be gung ho about all this but I have no confidence in local breast team. 

Would be pleased to hear from anyone who’s had a recurrence and how it presented.