thoracic surgery - recovery time?

[sukima]

so a very close family member has just had thoracic surgery to remove a benign tumor, the tumor had grown around the vagus nerve, alot of the right vagus nerve was removed, together with the tumor which was 10cms by 15cms
that sort of size.

now five weeks post op, back at home, but lots of pain and discomfort.
they are taking ora-morph, 12 mls every 4 1/2 hours, plus another painkiller specifically for very pain.they are getting a little sad at the level of pain they are feeling...

i guess i am trying to get a sense of how long recovery will take, how long until pain goes, until full mobility returns?

Sounds grim . Many sympathies .

I think they should speak to the surgeon/consultant or secretary to discuss the pain .
Or the GP ?
Don't be put off ,pain is so wearing ,but I think they might be able to control it better .
Also I think they need to discuss the effect on the digestive system of having some of vagus nerve removed .
Plus hope they are taking laxatives as pain meds v.constipating .