Hi, I had left 1st rib resection with transaxillary approach almost 7 years ago.
I had pneumothorax right after surgery and it was like riding an emotional roller coaster at that time.

Anyway, it took me almost 1 year to recover from surgery but I'd like to emphasize that it was an exceptionally long recovery time.
Your range of motion may be limited for awhile but PT should help increase it.
Wearing bras might be one of the biggest challenges for you after transaxillary approach (at least for me!) so find the bras made of very soft materials.

There, of course, have been ups and downs but I think surgery helpd me alot ,though my docs desagree
I can imagine how scared you are right now. It must be the same how I felt about 7 years ago...but YOU WILL BE OK.

Good luck on your surgery.
If you have questions, PM me.

Yasuko