Who can I ask about entitlement to benefits?

The Department for Work and Pensions is the Government's Benefit Agency. Their General Benefit Enquiry Line offers confidential advice and information for people with disabilities, and their carers and representatives, about social security benefits and how to claim them. Freephone 0800 88 22 00 or free textphone for people with speech or hearing difficulties 0800 24 33 55. For specific advice on the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA) call the DLA helpline on 08457 12 34 56.Their website holds information on both DLA and the Carer's Allowance, explaining who is eligible and how to claim www.dwp.gov.ukllifeevent/discare.

 

My doctor says it's okay for me to drive but do I need to tell the DVLA?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have information on medical conditions that may affect the validity of your driving licence on their website. www.dvla.gov.uk/medicaldrivers.aspx

You can notify the DVLA of a medical condition by telephone on 0870 600 0301, by email at eftd©dvla.gsi.gov.uk or by writing to Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU . Please remember to quote your full name, date of birth and or driver number (if known).You must also give details of your specific medical condition in order that you can be sent the appropriate medical questionnaire

 

Where can I find out about travel insurance?

Look out for insurers offering insurance cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions or contact the, Insurance Surgery who specialise in finding travel and other insurance for clients who have pre-existing medical conditions. A list of some of the possible companies is attached.

 

I need advice on epilepsy.

The National Society for Epilepsy can be found at www.epilepsynse.org.uk or you can telephone them on 01494 601300.

 

Can I get help with caring?

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is a network of advice centres throughout the country offering advice, and sometimes counselling, to carers looking after people with a range of medical conditions. See their website www.carers.org or telephone them on 020 7480 7788.

 

I am constantly puzzled and frustrated by some of the medical terms used by my consultant. Can you help?

We know that medical terminology can be baffling. Here's a glossary of some of the terms you may come across during your brain tumour journey. Please contact our Helpline if you need more support or information.

Adjuvant therapy: this is treatment often given as a follow-up or as an addition to the main or original treatment.

Chemotherapy: Involves the use of chemical substances to treat a tumour.

Gamma knife brain surgery: A noninvasive medical procedure used to treat benign and malignant brain tumours

Glial tissue: This is the special connective tissue of the central nervous system

Glioma: A tumour of glial cells.

Metastases: This means that cancer cells have spread from the main (or primary) tumour to other parts of the body

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This shows medical professionals a picture of the inside of your body using magnetic waves. MRI scanners are generally situated in larger or specialized hospitals.

Prognosis: An assessment of how your tumour is likely to develop and what the chance of recovery will be.

Radiotherapy: A procedure in which the tumour is treated with energy in the form of waves or particles.

 

Where can I learn more about clinical trials?

Two useful websites on clinical trials are www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.cancerlinks.com/clinical_trials.html