It does, but it can take some time! I called my the Zaps! It was like a sudden electric shock! The NP explained that the nerves had been cut as as they regenerated- they were sending "test messages" nothing wrong- just the process of healing to make sure the messages could get all the way through to the brain. Over time they decreased in both frequency and intensity- to where it was more startling than painful- and then one day you realize it has been forever since you had one! YAY for healing! Hugs!

It takes time but you will see improvement every day. I did after my double mastectomy and reconstructive that day February 12th 2024

I am 8.5 years post-op from double mastectomy and have had 12 total breast cancer related chest surgeries since 2017. I still have various types of nerve pain. I have neuropathy & muscle spasms all day every day. The shooting pains, burning pains, electrical zap like pains, etc. occur multiple times per day. I still get phantom nipple pains once or twice a month. My symptoms happen less often than right after surgery, but for example if I had 20 shooting pain incidents a day right after surgery they've only decreased by 50% long term and still occur 10 times a day now. In my experience it will take some healing time, possibly a year or more depending on how invasive your suregery was, for your chest to recover from surgery and re-grow and regenerate whatever cut nerves it can recreate. At that point you will be able to figure out what your post breast cancer surgery new normal is going to be.

Yes, I had the mastectomy- and it was months! I called it "the zaps" since it felt like a sudden electrical shock! The NP explained that they cut through so many nerves during surgery- and they are all trying to heal, and make new connections to the brain. Nothing is wrong- they are just "test messages" to our brain. Over time they diminish in both frequency and intensity, to the point that when they happen- they are more startling than painful- then one day, you will realize how long it has been since you had a zap! Hang in there! Consider them positive signs of ongoing, successful, healing! Hugs!

This feels like such a long process so I am not surprised they last that long. I can’t wait to feel less wounded. I’m so glad to hear you have been cancer free for six years. Stay healthy and God Bless!