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Jill and David - Our Life's Been Quite Difficult

A mother and son consider the impact his brain tumour and its after effects has had on them and the rest of the family.

David, (15 at the time of recording) was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was four. He had an operation to remove the tumour followed by chemotherapy and then radiotherapy. He was in and out of hospital for a year. The treatment that saved his life has left him with many difficulties. He now has epilepsy, wears two hearing aids, has poor sight and poor balance, is hemiplegic and has learning difficulties that mean he is unlikely to ever live independently. He finds it difficult to understand concepts and numbers but is articulate, philosophical and thoughtful. He doesn't see himself as different but understands he has limitations. David has two sisters, he lives with his Mum and his Dad Jon, his sister Anna and his cat Bailey. His sister Sarah is at University. David is now 12 years in remission. He's in the sixth form at his special school, is a supported-volunteer at Oasis Adventure Playground and on Sundays he does a drama class.
Jill founded and runs LPLD Alliance, a patient organisation which supports people with her ultra-rare condition Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency, also known as Familial Chylomicronaemia Syndrome.
During their conversation they discuss the impact David's brain tumour has had on the family.

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes

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