The Shakespeare Hospice Media Centre  |  Vacancies  |  Have Your Say  |  Contact Us  |  Friday 18 May 2012


The Shakespeare Hospice


Registered Charity No: 1064091

Frequently Asked Questions





I have just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I am worried that I won't be allowed to drive anymore. Who do I have to inform?

Having Multiple Sclerosis does not automatically mean that you will lose your driving licence. If you already drive or are applying for a driving licence, the DVLA need to know about your diagnosis. You will also need to check with your insurance company that your policy still covers you.

The DVLA will send you a questionnaire about specific medical issues and may also write to your doctor. If there are no medical problems, the DVLA will write back and confirm your licence.

www.mssociety.org.uk  |  020 8438 0700

www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring
I am 64 and just been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. At my last appointment my consultant went through my treatment options with me, but I can't remember much of what he told me and what I do remember, I didn't really understand. I'm worried that I'll make the wrong choices with regards to my treatment and I don't know who to ask to help me? 

Being diagnosed with cancer can come as a huge shock and takes time to come to terms with. Any extra information you may be given at this time is hard to digest and understand.

At the Information and Support Service, one of our advisors can spend time with you going through your treatment options together, explaining terms you might not understand and talking about possible side effects. We will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions and to talk through any anxieties or concerns you may have.

We also have a wide range of up to date information booklets that you can take away that will explain you illness and your treatment options to you. 

We can put you in touch with other cancer support specialists and other local organisations who may be able to help you or your family.

www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk

www.macmillan.org.uk

www.cancerhelp.org.uk
I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Up to now my grandchildren ( who are 5 and 9 ) have not been told about my illness but I am about to start some chemotherapy treatment and I know we won't be able to keep it from them then. I am really worried about how to tell them and scared of saying the wrong thing. What do I do?

Some families try to keep news of an illness from their children for as long as possible. However children are very good at picking up on changes like family routine, physical appearances, changes in mood. It becomes very hard to keep something like this a secret and can put you under a greater strain, and all this pressure can create an atmosphere where children know something is wrong, and may even think that they are to blame for it.

Children will feel left out, isolated and scared and may lose trust in the adults around them.It is much more helpful to be honest with children by telling what is happening so that they will feel included and valued.

At the Information and Support Service we can spend time with you explaining how to tell your grandchildren what is happening, how to choose the right words and how to deal with their reactions. We can also answer any questions or anxieties you may have and put you in touch with other organisations who will be able to help you.
My husband has had Alzheimer's Disease for 3 years now and his condition seems to be getting worse. I am struggling to care for him at home and have no family to help us. Sometimes I go out shopping and don't want to come back home and I find I am losing my temper with him all the time now. I feel very guilty about the way I feel.

It is very common to feel guilty - guilty about the way you treated your husband, guilty about losing your temper, guilty about not wanting the responsibility.

It is important for you to recognise your feelings of guilt so that you can make clear decisions about the future and do what is right for you both.

Here at the Information and Support Service, we can offer you time and space to talk through your feelings and anxieties and also give you details of local organisations who can help you and give you and your husband the support you both need.
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