How long does mastectomy pain last after third breast cancer?

I’m 75 and this is my 3rd breast cancer diagnosis in 25 years. I had lumpectomies, chemo and radiation the first 2 times (The first was HER2+. ER-, the second, ER+. HER2- Go figure!). This time ER+ again. I knew I was chemo-ed and irradiated out before I even saw the surgeon. I practically glow in the dark. I opted for a mastectomy on the cancerous side and a prophylactic mastectomy on the other side. It all happened so fast, with a whirlwind of appointments & tests leading up to the actually surgery. I saw so many people and was given so much information that it made my head spin. Two weeks after surgery, I had a follow up with the surgeon and the drains were removed. I then saw the oncologist who wants me to take hormone suppressing drugs. My cancer was very small, caught at an early stage with no lymph node involvement, so I guess I’m lucky. Here’s my biggest problem now: I’m 3 weeks out from my surgery and while I’m healing nicely, I’m still in more pain than I anticipated. I’m alternating Advil & Tylenol with and occasionally muscle relaxant or hydrocodone. I hate taking them. I could take more, but I feel that experiencing some pain is keeping me from doing too much. I can’t do the prescribed exercises because I have arthritis in my shoulders and torn rotator cuffs (I expect once my wounds are healed I’m going to end up back in physical therapy). I think the worst part is that after all the flurry of activity, I was told, “See ya in 3 months.” I have messaged the nurses a couple of questions and received answers that weren’t much help. I do have an appointment with my primary 3 weeks from now. I feel kind of abandoned - turned loose in the wild without adequate preparation. I apologize that this is so long. I guess what I’m really looking for is for someone who can relate to ANY part of this. If you’ve bothered to read this far and can offer any encouragement, I’d be grateful. The pain is dragging me down. While it’s slowly getting better, it seems like it’s taking forever. And to all of you who are struggling out there with your first cancer diagnosis, I empathize. My first cancer was very agressive and yet here I am, 25 years later. Something is going to kill me some day, but I don’t think it will be cancer. Love your body, whatever has been done to it, and love yourself even if you don’t feel lovable. You are lovable. You are brave even though you may not feel you are. Bless all of you.