Small update:
I am 5 weeks out, been following the tube rules, have basically lifted nothing and my pain has been small. Still have some issues with cough or sneeze or laugh but not to bad. I will say I find wearing shirts irritate things.

My sternum is healing well but not all feeling has come back into my chest muscles. I asked the surgeon about time frames and while 4 to 6 weeks is for safe zone for sternum healing really it usually takes a full 2 to 3 months for complete healing of the bone. They said I might experience issues that long.