Having breast cancer is difficult, and pain after breast cancer surgery can make it a double-whammy. A new technique, however, may offer relief.

Most women with breast cancer undergo some form of surgery ranging from a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue to a mastectomy that removes the entire breast. Pain after mastectomies may be the most troubling long-term symptom among breast cancer survivors, according to a recent study.

Breast cancer patients who undergo a mastectomy (removal of breast) can have pain for years after the surgery. Does the medication given during surgery make a difference?