A pregnant mother who attributed her dizzy spells to gestational diabetes has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and must give birth nine weeks early on Monday to start urgent treatment. Amy Carroll, 34, from Great Addington, Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at the beginning of her fourth pregnancy and dismissed her fainting as a symptom. However, after experiencing a seizure beside her partner Torrin Sirus, 36, she was rushed to hospital at 3 am on June 17. Two days later, CT and MRI scans revealed stage four brain cancer with seven masses on her brain.
Secondary Cancer Discovered
Doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford later confirmed it was a secondary cancer originating from the breast cancer she overcame in 2021. The urgency of treatment led doctors to schedule an emergency C-section on Monday, July 6, when Amy will be nearly 31 weeks pregnant. Amy, a support worker and mindset coach, said: “This pregnancy saved my life because I didn’t realise I was ill. After my breast cancer treatment, I was told I could never have kids, so this baby is a miracle.”
Seizure Led to Diagnosis
“At the start of my pregnancy, I started to feel unwell and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes for the first time ever. I was feeling a bit dizzy and faint, but thought it was a side effect of the diabetes and tried to shake it off. Then my partner woke up to me having a seizure and an ambulance rushed me to hospital, I don’t remember any of that. Within a couple of days, they told me the cancer had come back and there were seven masses on my brain.”
Amy discovered she had breast cancer in 2021 after undergoing cosmetic breast surgery following breastfeeding. She said: “I had my boys quite young and my boobs looked different, so I went and had breast surgery. That was when I noticed the little lump that turned out to be breast cancer. I ended up having chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eight different surgeries. I’m past the point of caring what my boobs look like now, but that cosmetic surgery saved my life as I wouldn't have known I had cancer then.”
Emergency C-Section Scheduled
The diagnosis of secondary cancer has deeply affected the family, and her partner Torrin has remained by her side. Consultants scheduled the C-section on July 6 so that Amy can begin radiotherapy the following week. Speaking from her hospital bed, Amy said: “After my breast cancer chemo, the doctors told me that I couldn't have kids ever, so even to get pregnant was an absolute miracle. We found out over Christmas and the baby was due on my birthday, which felt extra special. Now he is coming on Monday, I’ll have to be put under general anaesthetic then, fingers crossed, when I come round I can see him. They said babies at this age should recover well and the doctors have been very reassuring.”
Named Arlo Atlas Sirus
“We have decided to name him Arlo Atlas Sirus. When I start treatment, I won’t be able to be with the baby all the time, which is going to break me; I’ve got to see how I am after each treatment. When I do have chemotherapy, I won't be able to touch him at all, which will be so hard.”
Amy, also a tattoo model, worries about treatment side effects. She said: “There are so many potential complications after these surgeries, including memory loss, balance issues, loss of eyesight and inability to talk. I just don't want to forget my life and my kids, I just don’t want to lose that.”
Family Support
Amy has three other boys, aged 18, 12 and eight, who have not yet visited her in hospital. She said: “The boys haven't been able to visit yet, but they are coming up later this week before I go under general anaesthetic as I look at the worst case scenario. We’re going to go to Costa and just have a nice time. I just want my kids to have a bit of normality in the six-week holiday coming up, so I hope everything goes well.”
After her breast cancer recovery, Amy began fundraising for others and met many friends through the process. One friend, Kirsty Wilkinson, set up 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.”
