I would add that 1) My first VAT was not very painful, and I was off all pain meds in 5 days. The numbness below the breast lasted 4 months and then went away. It felt like I was wearing a belt. 2) My second VAT was a lot more painful (cracked rib). And I had prickly nerve pain. They gave me Gabapentin and that helped the pain a lot. It is still numb feeling (7 months out) but that doesn't bother me. Still feels like I have a belt around me. 3) I have somewhat more shortness of breath, and my chest feels stiff when I take a deep breath while standing, and sometimes a bit sore. I had the inflammation from radiation treatment so that impacts it.