Michelle,

I think you're doing it right with the pain medications. There seem to be wildly divergent approaches to narcotic drugs--ranging from under-use through abuse. But when you are experiencing pain, the narcotic effect doesn't cause a high because it is soothing the pain. So if you don't need it, use the milder meds, but if you have pain when you try to sleep, then it's doing what it's supposed to be doing. Soothing pain and letting you sleep.

I saw an acquaintance this evening who is an ontological ob/gyn. I mentioned our virtual support system here at Mudcat--he was pleased to hear that you have this online community. Positive thinking and support do have a good effect. And he said you're doing it exactly right--the surgery and the chemo follow-up to be sure to keep it away. That's good to hear, as one in this support group. :)

Make it a really lazy weekend. Find an old movie to watch, or have someone come over and show you a new knitting or crochet stitch, something quite but satisfying. No cruising the local mall for clearance sales, okay? ;-D

SRS