Nowt silly about honouring your Mum and Dad
Your Doc sounds like a decent sort. Glad he's got you on a regimen that you can afford. Hopefully that will ease the pressure you're under.
Re: oddjobs and cowboys - My bro is the family handyman/problem solver/ad hoc designer/etc. He's like your dad: has all the tools, good ones at that, and knows how to use them!
Cultural note: don't know if the same applies over there, but 'cowboy' when referring to building, household repairs, craftsmanship etc means shoddy workmanship and quick fixes - a 'cowboy builder'.