Hi, I hope someone may be able to help me?
I have secondary breast cancer, and in August of last year they discovered secondaries in my brain. I underwent whole head radiotherapy and a course of Dexamethazone. The radiotherapy finished on 10 September, and the Dex early December. In September, I realised I needed to notify the DVLA of my condition, and today - 5 months later! - they notified me that my driving licence is revoked for 2 years!! I have never had a seizure or any neurological symptoms before or since the treatment. Although I was anticipating a year ( even though I thought it was unfair), I was not expecting 2!
Has anyone ever appealed this? The letter from the DVLA implies that you need to take them to court, which is potentially expensive, and we can’t afford it. Also, while I am not working at the moment, I hope to return soon - but work is 35 miles away, and not doable on public transport - it would take 1 bus and 5 trains, all during rush hour!
is there anything I can do without hiring solicitors?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help 
Nicky
xx
Hi Opal
I’m sorry to read you’re having a pretty tough time at the moment. Whilst you wait for the other users to reply with their advice and experiences may I suggest you give the BCC helpline call and talk this through with a trained member of staff. They are there to offer both emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Opal sorry to hear about your driving license being revoked I know that DVLA do this if you get brain mets but no idea how long is the optimum time and like you say it would be expensive to appeal if you have to go through solicitors. I am sure the help line will help you but I thought I would mention the Access to Work programme. Basically its a gov’t programme that supports people with disabilities (and secondary cancer is considered a disability) with help in work. There are a number of things the programme will pay for ie specialist equipment you may need in your job due to your disability but one of the major things that is not publisiced very well is that it will pay for travel to work if you cannot get public transport due to your disability ie it will fund you for taxi’s to and from work so its worth applying for. if you go on the Dept of work and pensions website you will see Access to Work and you just need to phone up to make an on line application but you need a date for return to work before they will approve - as they don’t approve in principle - so when you feel ready to return give yourself a couple of weeks to get it all sorted and all you have to do is to get receipts from the taxi and you can get the costs paid into bank account. its a brilliant programme and not many know about it although I know MacMillan do mention it on their website but its hard to find. x
Sam, thank you, I will certainly contact the BCC helpline to see if they can give me some more information - I hadn’t thought of it for things like this
Wow, thank you so much for this Saffronseed. I will get straight onto I looking into it. Although I am lucky and can work from home, I do still need to go into the office as well, so this could be a lifesaver. regally appreciate you giving me the information
All the best
Nicky
x
How amazing! I read this post and had a google to see if there’s was anything I could find (sometimes your own house insurance or union dues allow free access to legal helplines) but Saffronseed replied with brilliant advice. Thank goodness for the forum.
All the best Opal with work in the future
blondie
A colleague of mine used this scheme. He had had a stroke which left him with visual impairment and so could not drive.He was a doctor and worked in the community ie needed to get to and from work and also drive around during the working day.Because of this they funded (or partially funded im not sure) a driver. There may be other options depending on circumstances.
Yes you are right herbgarden there are many options available. the key measure is value for money so you need to make sure that whatever the preferred option for you is the best by way of value for money and fit for purpose (its not always the cheapest option thats the best and you need to stick out for what you need and explain why you need it). The programme is funded for over £100m per year and last year they did not spend all the fundings (basically because people do not know about it). For example they will pay for taxi’s if thats what you need but they will deduct your normal expenses to get to work so if you used to drive its based on 25p per mile - if you used public transport its whatever the cost - so in fact you will get the difference. Its not just those with secondary cancer either and I may have mislead on this - its anyone who has a disability under the equalities act -so primary ladies who are undergoing treatment or who are fatigued after treatment and can’t travel by their normal means will qualify. Its basically there to help those who are in a postion to work but have barriers that stop them doing so - its not means tested either so anyone with a disability can get funding. It is a fantastic gov’t programme. x
What a very interesting thread and information to store away in case needed (hope not but you never know) but also great as it is saying to me that treatment for brain mets can be so successful. Opal, I hope all continues to go well for you xx