Hello all,
I hope that you are having a good day relative to your circumstances.
My name is Pete and I am 61 years old.
I am very lucky to be married to my lovely wife Deb and we both have the privilege of being parents to the amazing and beautiful Gracie Mae.
Gracie has a Grade 3 astrocytoma of the left parietal lobe and her most recent surgery (4th) was an awake resection in November.
Following that she had oral Chemo and radiotherapy which finished on 19th March.
Gracie is 19 and prior to discovering that there had bee a recurrence of tumor growth last November was a keen driver who was actively engaged in training for her advanced driver qualification. (IAM).
She was told by the consultant in November that she needed to stop driving which she duly did even though this meant she had to quit her job.
We live in Cornwall and public transport leads a lot to be desired and more than that Driving was a passion of Gracie's which has hit her mental health hard.
We have a review meeting with her Oncologist as she is on 5 days oral Chemo every month as an attempt to control the tumor regrowth.
Her mood currently is very low and as her Dad I feel so frustrated and helpless as I have no magic cure for her.
The only thing I can think to do is put my all into pursuing the return of her license and at least improving her quality of life.
If anyone out there has gone through a similar thing I would appreciate any help / support / guidance that you have.
Many thanks!
Pete
HI Pete
a warm welcome to the online community. So sorry to hear about all that's going on with your girl. Life's cruel.
Having his driving licence suspended was one the things that hit my late husband the hardest. He loved his cars! Ultimately the decision as to if or when your daughter can resume driving sits with her consultant. There's some clear advice on the government website for clinicians. Here's the links
Neurological disorders: assessing fitness to drive - GOV.UK
Neurological disorders: assessing fitness to drive - GOV.UK
I'd suggest that you have the chat with the consultant to get a realistic expectation before risking getting her hopes up.
This is a safe and supportive space so please reach out here anytime. There's always someone about to listen who gets it, someone to hold your hand and to offer a virtual hug when its needed. You're not alone. We've got you.
It’s always good to talk so please remember that you can also call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
for now though I'm sending you both a huge virtual hug and lots of positive energy.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
HI
yes you do need to return your licence to the DVLA or face a potential fine. You also need to notify your insurance company.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
