Dear Ma am, Recurrence after breast cancer can either be local or distant. Local recurrence manifests as a lump, ulcer, nodule over the operated breast or on the chest wall depending on the type of surgical procedure performed previously. Distant mets usually occur in the bones, lung or liver and manifest as bone pain, cough, blood in sputum, abdominal pain or jaundice. Sometimes headache can be an indicator of brain mets. You should be aware of these symptoms and you should visit your oncologist if you experience any one of them.