Hi, new here.
I have had a lung tumour for over a year, around 2.7cm was stage 1, no symptoms, I didn't have a biopsy, so I had 15 radiotherapy sessions last September and they said it was successful. No follow up checks. Fast forward to August this year, and was getting some symptoms, chest pain, cough, bit breathless. Chest Xray OK, but I asked for a CT scan follow up.... rather than waiting the recommended NHS 12 months, and they found it has grown back, same tumour, but its around 4cm now.
Had a pet scan and it was lighting up like the last time, and also suspicious of lymph nodes but not confirmed. It had not spread anywhere else. Then they decided to give me a head MRI with contrast, I've not had one before.
Got a call to go in this week, they have found a 1cm brain lesion, and it could be a metastasis, but obviously not sure as I have never had a biopsy of the lung to confirm the cancer as yet. Or could be incidental or benign. Anyway the worse bit of news for me is, they said there and then I couldn't drive anymore! What a shock. I live on my own and am the main carer and driver for 2 other family members. I honestly couldn't believe it. He didn't seem to know exactly the rules and told me to ring DVLA, which I did, they said they don't have rules on this, they just go off what the doctor says. I saw another consultant today and asked him, and he had to google it and seemed unsure of the rules.
Does anyone know of any reliable source that can tell me legally where I stand on this? The McMillan nurses just shrugged and said I have to stop driving but couldn't answer any of my questions. Giving up my car is going to be disastrous for me and my dependents. Thanks for any info.
Hello LCJane,
I'm very sorry to hear of the problems you're having at the moment. I had a similar problem 9 years ago when I had a suspected brain tumour after lung cancer and was unable to drive for some time. In the end after extensive tests it turned out I didn't have a brain tumout at all. In the meantime it created a massive problem for me because I needed to drive for my job but couldn't.
There are very specific requirements for reporting these circumstances and I'm a little surprised at what DVLA told you on the 'phone.
I've attached a couple of links with information on what needs to be done.
One issue you need to be aware of is that, if you don't act, there's a good chance DVLA will revoke your licence and, if you're subsequently told by your doctors you can resume driving, you will have to wait until DVLA to reinstate your licence which can take several months, On the other hand, if you've complied with the rules and are told by your doctors you are able to drive again you're normally able to resume pending DVLA's confirmation. Full information can be found on DVLA's website.
I know exactly how you feel about this - driving is essential for many of us, but ultimately the rules are there to protect others should a driver have a seizure whilst driving.
I wish you all the best, Derek.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Well done, I appreciate just how difficult this is.
It's very remiss of me, but I should have mentioned our lung cancer forum which you might find useful for information and discussion. Maybe take a look and join? I've placed a link to this below.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
