Hi
I am about to undergo my second course of chemotherapy in 10 months. I finished 6xFEC in December during which I carried on working most of the time. I remember how sometimes just the journey to work would make me very tired but I would struggle through the day nonetheless. I wasn’t being a martyr. I wanted to maintain as normal a life as possible and it helped me a lot. I only work in an office 4 and a half hours a day so nothing too strenuous.
I met a lady at oncology one day who had breast cancer and she said she had applied for a blue badge and got it. I am thinking that with 4 lots of Docetaxol looming I might apply for a badge even if its just to make the journey to work easier and so I can park closer by. It would make life so much easier if I could just have one temporarily until the fatigue and aching limbs ease off.
I was wondering if anyone else has applied and been successful.
Thanks
Debs x
The prescribed descriptions of disabled person to whom a local authority may issue a disabled person’s badge are a person who is more than 2 years old who falls within one or more of the descriptions specified in paragraph (2).
(2) The descriptions are a person who–
(a)receives the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance in accordance with section 73 of the Social Security and Benefits Act 1982(1);
(b)uses a motor vehicle supplied by the Department of Social Security or the Scottish Executive or is in receipt of a grant pursuant to section 5(2)(a) of the National Health Service Act 1977(2) or section 46 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978(3);
(c)is registered as blind under section 29(4)(g) of the National Assistance Act 1948(4) or, in Scotland, is a blind person within the meaning of section 64(1) of that Act;
(d)receives a mobility supplement under article 26A of the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983(5) including such a supplement by virtue of any scheme or order under article 25A of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983(6);
(e)drives a motor vehicle regularly, has a severe disability in both upper limbs and is unable to turn by hand the steering wheel of a motor vehicle even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob; or
(f)has a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
Now, a 6-month course of chemo doesn’t count as “a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking”.
Does the person you know also get DLA or have other problems?
You also mentioned getting one “temporarily”. I don’t think you can get ‘temp’ ones - my mother’s (she’d had a stroke and used a wheelchair) was for 5 years at a time IIRC.
I havent applied but I did get them for my wee boy who is autistic/dyspraxic they don’t usually give for that reason it’s generally mobility issues which I would say you have albeit temporary?! I went to my GP who supported my application because of the unique issues we have with our little fellow.We got the badges. Therefore if I were you I would get in touch with your local council, obtain the nec form and get pour GP to support you and sign the forms??? hope this helps… xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you for your replies. I know what the regulations say. I have read through the application form. I am not trying to get a badge through any false pretenses or to take advantage and take anything away from people with serious disabilities. I was just enquiring if anyone had any advice. If the minimum is 5 years then it may not be appropriate.
@Buzzy: “I am not trying to get a badge through any false pretenses or to take advantage and take anything away from people with serious disabilities”
I know you’re not, love. If there is a way to get one for BC/chemo, I (and many others) would be interested to know about it. I know that getting one for my mother wasn’t easy. But easier than getting Attendance Allowance for her - that was a nightmare form.
The Blue Badge application form is 16 pages long! I’m not sure if I will bother trying. It may be more trouble than its worth and I’ve been told it takes 6-8 weeks to get one anyway by which time I could be half way through treatment
Hi ladies, I’m half way through 6 fec and have found it very difficult and exhausting for a week after my treatment. My macmillian lady filled a form out for me’ and yesterday I recieved my blue badge. So Buzzy if you feel you need one apply.
Good luck BD
my friend from this forum had a blue badge last year when having 6 fec chemo. Her macmillan nurse completed the form with her too i think. Go for it, and get onto mzcmillan. Good luck
Is this going to be like the free prescriptions entitlement that we are all able to claim for but not many people know about it?
Thanks for raising the issue, Buzzy, it certainly seems that what the regs say and what actually happens seem to differ.
It certainly sounds like it Ninja. Nice of them to tell us eh?
I’ve just emailed my local Macmillan office and asked if they can help. I’ll let you know what happens
Debs
x
I have to say that I’m very surprised at those who got a blue badge for chemo alone (longer term walking problems maybe). This is not the same as the free prescriptions issue and the conditions are as Ninja posted (and getting even stricter soon due to abuse).
They are thinking of bringing a temporary blue badge at some point which may be appropriate for more temporary circumstances like chemo, broken legs etc but at the moment a blue badge lasts for 3 years.
It would be wrong to use a blue badge when you had no need of it and I’m sure some people would be tempted to use it when they have recovered enough to do without. Not suggesting anyone posting here would. but I’m sure it does happen.
There is real pressure on disabled people at the moment and blue badge abuse is a hot topic.
I agree there is a lot of blue badge abuse, and I don’t think you are accusing anyone of that, but when I applied I answered the question truthfully and I got one. For me when things are difficult it does give me back the opportunity to be able to do normal things ie shopping etc. And for that I am truly grateful.
Just a Quickie…
A friend of mine from clinic got a badge following her primary dx. She applied over the phone apparently + was given a badge for 12mths + then it will be reviewed . She got it based on the pain + discomfort caused by the mx+ node clearance followed by chemo. So in her case, they’ve given her a temporarybadge it seems?
Tina x
Crikey.
I suggest we all get some answers about this one. I have enough problems (arthritis in spine since 1990) but wouldn’t qualify normally as my GP said “it’s not whether you can carry your shopping or are able to push your trolley to your car, it’s whether you can walk 10 metres with it”.
Gingerbud, your friend who phoned up, who exactly did she phone?
I have just spoken to someone @ Macmillan who said I need to speak to my local council. Personally I’m not holding out much hope of Bristol City Council being very helpful but I’ll give it a go!
I will vet details when I next see her- she only has a primary dx + is recovering well just on herceptin now. I have secondaries so have a blue badge under special rules+ high rate off dla.
X
I called into my local MacMillan centre today and asked about it. They said that I would need an appointment with a MM social worker or benefits adviser.
HTH
I’ve had bone mets since 2003 and could get an automatic blue badge but my mobility is okay ish at the moment and I’ve heard of so many others receiving abuse from other drivers questioning whether or not they qualify for the badge for me it’s just not worth the hassle yet. My friend was shouted at, in a Tesco car park, a couple of months before she died…she had her daughter with her at the time and was very upset and felt the need to remove her wig to show/prove she had cancer.
The council said to just apply and see what happens. They don’t have such a thing as a temporary card. I think 3 years is the shortest but I think after treatment and recovery I wouldn’t have the nerve to abuse it. All I want it for really is to be able to park in a street opposite work without having to pay an extortionate amount and instead of having to park half a mile away and being knackered before I get there! Otherwise I’ll just stay off work for the next 4 months which I really don’t want to do