I had lung VAT wedge resection at AGE 80. I was driving my car one week later!
Sore yes, but I was off pain meds in two days. They do want you to cough and that is why you have pain meds. The nerves may take months to go back to normal. Like having a tight belt around chest.
I had another VAT for a different nodule at 82. No chemo and pathology can tell you exactly what it is!