Overview
- The mother, 34-year-old Amy Carroll, suffered a seizure on June 17 and was rushed to hospital where CT and MRI scans within days showed seven brain masses diagnosed as stage four secondary cancer.
- Medical teams at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford linked the brain lesions to Carroll’s breast cancer treated in 2021 with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and multiple surgeries.
- Consultants set an emergency caesarean for Monday, July 6, when Carroll is almost 31 weeks pregnant so cancer treatment can start without further delay.
- Radiotherapy is planned to begin the week after the delivery with further systemic therapy anticipated later, treatments that will limit close contact with the newborn during some phases.
- The diagnosis has placed immediate emotional and practical strain on the family of four; a friend has launched a JustGiving fundraiser and clinicians expect most babies born at about 31 weeks to recover well with neonatal care.