KAC, I am so sorry about all your health problems. You and I are a pair; in early 12/05 I discovered my spouse's second affair, so I am in the midst of divorce proceedings, splitting belongings, trying to file taxes, etc. As a matter of fact, I just felt like picking up my counted cross stitch last week; it took that long.
I do think that it is therapeutic--kind of mindless, in a way (until you have to count stitches or frog mistakes!).
I am sorry for you, too. That is so hard. But you are right, the needlework helps.
Oh the ways of frogging....rip it, rip it, rip it....shame we have to do it to our lives sometimes.