Thats a tough question. I hate taking meds but I do. Over the counter meds are just not strong enough for me. I understand your doctors concerns about giving you the strong stuff but he needs to understand that oral cancer has so many after effects that many patients need to have some prescription meds to manage the bad days. If I were you, I would give it a try for say 2 or 3 weeks, but if you find you are taking larger quantities than what is recommended then tell the doc. Some patients go to pain management clinics to help them learn to deal with lingering pain. Dont make yourself suffer when you dont have to. Nobody should be in pain, its not helpful at all.