John, it's so good to hear from you!! I was hoping that you had no complications from the tube insertion, but I see that you have. I assume they gave antibiotics prior or during the procedure, so I can understand not giving you an Rx for more. However....NO pain med? Are they nuts or are you?? I would expect you would have pain for at least a few days following the tube insertion. And if you have an infection, you obviously would have pain. Following my drain insertions, I took Lortab that I already had on hand (which they knew of), so no Rx for me was needed. Despite the Lortab, I still had pain for several days. BTW, abdominal surgeries/procedures have a high incidence of post-op infection, so I was holding my breath and praying a lot after my 3, plus the 3 drain insertions.
Anyhow--I'm thinking that the assumed infection will most likely delay chemo. Chemo is going to do a number on your immune system, so you want to be 100% sure that you are clear of infection prior to starting that. You are smart enough to know that it wouldn't be prudent to start chemo unless you are as healthy as you can get at this point. So take the entire antibiotic Rx (if you haven't already.) They should also do blood work or a culture prior to proceeding with chemo. Is this the "prep" of which you speak?
I know you are anxious to "get on with it," John, but I'm sure that you don't want to further jeopardize your health.
Sorry for getting on my soapbox. It's directed more at "them" than you.
Hugs from your friend who also was hit with a "double whammy" and then some! 
Hang in there!
Connie
Post Edited (hep93) : 9/29/2008 12:11:18 PM (GMT-6)