Posted By: DAUGHTRS3 Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-01-2007 06:49 PM
I'm trying to get a hold of some of the Carnation Breakfast Drink VHC that has 560 calories. I called the 1-800 number and said they were out until Friday. They're hoping to get some in. They said if they do they won't be able to ship it next day air until Monday. Meaning that I won't get it until Tuesday. I also have my pharmacy trying to get some and they were told that it would be 7 to 10 business days. Does anyone know another way I can get some in the next day or so? My husband has lost 11 pounds in five days. He is very fair skinned and looks very burnt. He had a rad treatment Monday and then the Dr. wanted to stop for 2 to 3 days. We go on Thursday to see the rad. Dr. and at that point he will evaluate and see if we can start up the treatments on Thursday again. My husband is feeling awful and I am very anxious. It's storming right now so that fits my mood. If one more person ask how is it going I just my slug them. I'm even getting ____ at people who say "You're in our prayers". My husband and I are both Christians so that is really bothering me that I feel that way. Sorry I went off there for a minute. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have this forum to come to. I know my family and friends are just trying to be helpful. It's just that the only thing they know about this disease is that now they know someone who has it. Well there I went again. Sorry. I probably should be posting these last few comments somewhere else. I just am really looking for the Carnation VHC if anyone can help. Thanks.
Posted By: Anne-Marie Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-01-2007 11:47 PM
I've been trying unsuccessfully to find David's (davidcpa) url which he posted which allows you to find out who in your area carries the carnation VHC. You can also go directly to the Nestle web site or just do a search for Carnation VHC. Or email them to find out where they send it to. If you get to the place where you can put in your zip and see listings in your area, I would call them first because even the ones listed for my area did not carry the stuff and I had to order online which takes longer and more expensive. Maybe a hospital supply house or health food store? I can sympathize with how certain comments can really get to you. One thing that really bothered my son was when well-meaning friends would say "Well, it could be worse!" so I made sure never to say it in front of him :rolleyes: It reminded me of a funny story in a church bulletin a long time ago: "In church one day, a little voice said to me, 'cheer up, it could be worse'. . . and so I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse!" smile I do hope you find the carnation VHC very soon. . . . until you do, have you tried Boost or Ensure? Sometimes my son found it easier to get down if I diluted it with water.
Posted By: PeteyB Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-02-2007 08:39 AM
Go to: www.carnationinstantbreakfast.com
They have a store locator.
Posted By: davidcpa Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-02-2007 09:40 AM
Rhonda,

See my recent post below. Both Walgreens and CVS only takes a day or two at the most to get it in once I place the order. Good Luck.

Try Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC. It has 560 nutritional balanced calories in a 8 oz can and will cut the misery and the time in feedings. You order it thru your pharmacy dept and some have suggested that if you get a prescription for it, your insurance company will pick up the tab. I only pay about $32.00 per 24 can case at Walgreens. That's only $5.00 a day for 2000 calories. Click on this link:

http://www.nestle-nutrition.com/family.aspx?objectID=86E49EB3-BE25-4B16-81D7-235E6F6E5183

Under the PURCHASE PRODUCTS tab, select FIND A PHARMACY NEAR YOU.

Under the PRODUCT NAME pull down, select Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free VHC and fill in your zip code and they will give you a list of pharmacies that carries it.

At the top of that list note the Product Code and NDC Number in case that helps you when you call the store. When I call Walgreens it only takes a day or 2 at the most to get it delivered to the store and they call me when it's in.

You can also order it online but it usually costs more and takes much longer to get.

No, I do not work for the company nor do I get a commission (I wish) but this product made my feeding life during and post treatment much much easier and I am sure it will do the same for you.
Posted By: blc6571 Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-02-2007 12:35 PM
Just wanted to let you know I sent you a pm on where I order from but here is the address www.smhs-medsupply.com

I usually get our order in a couple of days.
Posted By: Eileen Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-02-2007 01:45 PM
In the meantime, if you can't get it, try the Ensure Plus or Boost Plus rather than the regular. Most groceries and some pharmacies carry it. These are 350 calories as opposed to 200.

Take care,
Eileen
Posted By: JAM Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-02-2007 07:42 PM
HI, Rhonda, your frustratins with "kind words, etc." are something many of us have had to deal with. There were lots of times I just wanted those kind, well meaning folks to go away and leave me alone because I was mad, scared, frantic- you name it! [and there were many times I wasn't in the mood for "Thank you so much" answers]. Unless someone has walked in your shoes, they will not have a clue as to what you are dealing with-but we do- so hang in there. Don't know if yu've found the VHC yet, but Apria Health Care Systems got it for me-if they are in your area. Amy in the Ozarks
Posted By: lee33 Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-03-2007 02:41 PM
I just went to my local pharmacy and told them what I needed. I had already looked it up on the net and just gave them the info. I had it the next day. Also, if you know someone who works at a hospital or nursing home you may find it possible to get supplemental drinks at their cost. I was paying 7.00 a 6 pack for ensure plus, now I pay 5.00 a case. Every little bit helps as the time of work increases. Good luck. I understand your frustration as well. Most people have no idea what to say and only a few will ever take time to study about cancer so that they can have conversations about it. I wouldn't have before if someone said they had cancer. I was dx'd with MS and that is where I found my frustration. Even with my wife. I then understood the importance of these forums. We can understand each other because we have been there. After that my frustration went down for people who offer the cliche sayings because I can get what I need here. I can't expect anyone else to reasearch all of this and then only try to understand what I feel. Heck it usually takes me a week or two to process all the changes that come. It is frustrating though. There are a few people who have pleasantly suprised me. Most people are just to scared to learn about cancer especially if it someone they know. When people offer prayers I remember that is really the only thing they do have to offer. That and there very simple and cliched words of encouragement. The rest is between me and my doctors. That is why we are here though so we can vent to one another as well as give some experiential advice. Good luck. Lee
Posted By: DAUGHTRS3 Re: Carnation Breakfast VHC - 05-03-2007 09:08 PM
Thanks everyone for the kind words. It helps so much to hear from those who are or have walked on this same path. I appreciate you all so much. Barb, i contacted that supply company you emailed me and I should be getting it tomorrow. I just wish I could reach out and give everyone on this forum a hug. Even though this is not a club I would choose on my own to belong to I do feel blessed in many ways by being here now. Does that make any sense to anyone? I guess while I'm being the caregiver to my husband you all are being the caregiver to me.
Thanks,
Rhonda
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