A mother who gave birth nine weeks prematurely so she could begin cancer treatment has been told she is unlikely to survive past Christmas. Amy Carroll, 35, from Great Addington, Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer while pregnant and underwent an emergency caesarean section at almost 31 weeks.
Her son, Arlo Atlas Sirus, arrived weighing 4lb 2oz and is doing well at home. Four months on from the birth, however, Amy has received the news that her cancer has spread further and, despite being placed on new medication, doctors have told her she is unlikely to see the new year.
Diagnosis and emergency birth
Amy, a support worker and mindset coach, first discovered she had breast cancer in 2021 after undergoing cosmetic surgery on her breasts following breastfeeding. She had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eight different surgeries.
After her recovery, she became pregnant with Arlo. Amy explained: "After my breast cancer treatment, I was told I could never have kids so this baby is a miracle. At the start of my pregnancy, I started to feel unwell and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes for the first time ever."
She began feeling dizzy and faint, which she put down to the diabetes, until her partner woke to her having a seizure. Within days, she was told the cancer had returned and there were seven masses on her brain. She underwent an emergency caesarean in July 2026 at 31 weeks.
Cancer spreads further
When medics prepared to begin Amy's chemotherapy, they discovered the cancer had spread more extensively than initially believed. Following months of scans and blood tests, Amy was informed in early November that the cancer had metastasised to her bones, chest, liver, breast, lymph nodes and brain.
Amy said: "I've now got 16 masses on my brain, advanced stage 4 incurable metastatic breast cancer, widespread brain metastases, widespread bone metastases, lymph node metastases, and gastrointestinal syndrome. They've even found spots of cancer on my liver, but it's still functioning. It's also between my chest bone and my lung, that's got bigger. Basically it's everywhere. When they showed me the PET scan, it's just everywhere."
Medical staff also delivered the news that Amy's prognosis was limited and that she was unlikely to survive beyond Christmas. She said: "I'm literally fighting for my life and living every day. It's breaking me inside. I'm not going to die, I will be there for my kids, I've got to look out for my kids."
New treatment and support
Although Amy's cancer is now terminal, medics have begun her on fresh treatment that may offer some benefit. She is having bone injections to help with her bones, as the cancer is in her pelvis and spine, and started a new medication this week that is supposed to help.
Amy revealed that Arlo, now four months old, is thriving at home. She explained: "The little one is doing amazing. He's 15lb 2oz now, he's a right chunk. He's doing really really well considering he's a prem baby. It's crazy, bless him."
Amy is determined that sharing her experience will support others and has been chronicling her journey on Instagram. After her initial recovery from breast cancer, she started raising funds for others facing similar challenges. One friend, Kirsty Wilkinson, has established a JustGiving page to support Amy.
Amy said: "When I beat cancer the first time, I started fundraising as it helped me and was good to help people. I wish I had this support when I was going through it the first time, as if you've got the right people and support then that helps you get up every morning. I was so shocked and surprised when Kirsty set up my JustGiving. I've fundraised for others but never for myself before so I was taken aback, but it was so lovely and so thoughtful of her."
