The medical supply company probably will not allow you to return the formula. If you get switched they will sometimes give you a free case of the new kind to make sure you can tolerate it before you get a full order.

It is very important that you keep swallowing as much as possible even if it hurts. It may get pretty difficult with your throat becoming so sore it feels like you are swallowing razor blades but you still MUST try to take a few sips several times per day. Down the road it is far more difficult to have to retrain those muscles to relearn how to swallow. Since you are just beginning to use the formula, you can sustain yourself with 2500 calories by eating/drinking then you can always add 2 or 3 cans of formula overnight with the pump and get extra calories and hydration. If your intake is 3500 its not too much and you still shouldnt gain even a pound. Your body is fighting both the cancer and the treatments plus trying to rebuild itself so that takes an incredible amount of calories. Take in as much as possible with 2500 being the bare minimum every single day.

Good luck!!!!



PS... Almost forgot to tell you about The Oley Foundation. They run a formula exchange program where you can pick up some cases for just the cost of S&H (about $15 per case). That program may help you avoid paying hundreds in co-pays. Also I think its Nestle who has a charity program that they will send the patient 12 cases of one of their brands of formulas with proper paperwork completed by your doc or nutritionist. Many hospitals also have things to help needy patients with these types of supplies. If you dont speak up and ask for help, they dont volunteer the info. Talk with your nutritionist or nurses about what your facility offers.