Shelley, what Sur said is true, it varies widely. My husband had a lobectomy in February (upper right lung) and after a few rough weeks post-op, his drain hole healed. With that, his post surgery immunotherapy finished the job and he is now cancer free.
He was lucky to be off pain meds within 2 weeks post-op even with the issues (a leaking incision site being primary). Nine months later and only 2 more infusion cycles to complete, he's pretty much "normal" (at least as normal as he ever was 😉).

Shelley, it does vary quite a bit. There are different types of surgeries, different amounts of tissue removed, areas surgery was performed in, ones pain perception/thresholds, and how individuals heal. For my first one I personally had a RATS wedge resection 2/3 of right upper lobe with 4 incisions and a chest tube hole. I was miserable for at least 2 months. Used ice packs multiple times a day and over the counter lidocaine several times a day. I'm 2 years 8 months out and I still have pain and discomfort right lower chest and upper abdomen areas, nerve pain and discomfort. Some days I don't notice it at all, some days it's annoying. I have one spot that if it is touched the wrong way or has pressure applied, the pain can almost send me thru the ceiling, thankfully it is short lived. After my second RATS with a tumor resection with diaphragm repair I was pretty good to go after 3-4 weeks. For that one I had 3 additional incisions and a second chest tube drain hole. Just used ice once or twice a day for maybe a week and took Tylenol for a week or two. Best with your journey.

Hey ShelleyC: Yes, everyone has their own experience with surgery.
I had a lobectomy. I went home from the hospital I two days. I had extensive bruising/soreness. I took pain meds for a few days.
I knew at the time I had to endure the discomfort.
So I tried to focus on healing. A healthy diet helps with recovery. It was hard to sleep. But over time I got my strength back. One day at a time. I was/am grateful that I survived.
I've heard, we learn are greatest lessons in life from the most difficult times. So, wisdom born of pain..

I had a lobectomy on upper right lobe August 2022. Took about 1/3 of the lobe. Pain related directly to the surgical procedure lasted about six months. Still in pain from broken ribs which haven’t healed.

In June I had robot assisted surgery to remove my upper right lobe. I must have a high tolerance for pain because I never took anything for the pain. I preferred withstanding the discomfort than deal with the side effects of the pain meds. The pain eased a little each day. Now I have slight tenderness at the ribs under the incisions when I press on it and that’s it.