The miracle family they said we’d never have...
AMY SURVIVED BRAIN TUMOUR TO HAVE THREE ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ CHILDREN
A NOTTINGHAM science teacher has defied the odds to become a mother of three after a shock brain tumour diagnosis.
Amy Anderson, 41, a science teacher at Ellis Guilford School in Basford, was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour in 2007.
Amy, from Ashby-de-la-zouch in Leicestershire, said she “knew something really wasn’t right”, after changes in her hormones caused her to produce breast milk, and she suffered severe headaches.
After doctors discovered the tumour, Amy was told it was so large surgery was needed quickly – and that she would be unlikely to ever have children due to the pituitary link to reproduction.
Amy said: “I was really upset by this news. My husband James and I had got married the previous year and we were trying for a baby.”
However, despite repeated and gruelling surgery over the next decade, she also has three children.
Amelia was first, in November 2008. The initial surgery had to be put on hold while she was pregnant.
Amy faced another scary experience when a few months later in May 2009, when she suddenly lost her eyesight and suffered an excruciating headache.
Her tumour had ruptured and she had to have emergency surgery at Royal Stoke University Hospital to remove it through her nasal cavity.
“It was a horrendous situation. I felt so vulnerable, not being able to see properly. On top of that, it was the first time I’d been separated from Amelia,” Amy recalls.
While she did slowly regain some of her sight, the surgery left her with diabetes insipidus and the knowledge she might not have more children.
Just three months after her surgery, however, Amy was surprised and delighted to discover she was pregnant again and Freddie was born in April 2010 without complications.
But once again, Amy’s life was disrupted when scans in May 2011 revealed the tumour had regrown.
It was closely monitored, but by 2013 Amy was back at Stoke again for surgery and radiotherapy, prompting the couple to consider trying for a third baby.
“It was like history repeating itself when, in January 2014, I discovered I was pregnant. We couldn’t believe it, especially having been told that our chances of conception were very low,” Amy said.
“It seemed to cause panic among the consultants, as yet again my surgery had to be postponed. Matilda was born in October 2014 and our family was complete.”
Amy’s second surgery, in May 2015, was riskier than the first and only 90 percent of the tumour could be removed safely due to exposed brain membranes.
She was told the following year she could have gamma knife treatment, which has a high success rate and is non-invasive.
The mum-of-three said: “What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was the horrendous experience of having a metal frame fitted to my head, in preparation for the treatment.
“I had to have four injections of local anaesthetic; two in my temple and two in the back of my head. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever had to endure and the pressure of the frame caused my head to feel like it was going to explode.”
Despite six hours of waiting with her frame secured in place, an MRI scan revealed the tumour was too big for the gamma knife to be viable.
Amy instead had to go for six weeks of daily radiotherapy at Royal Derby Hospital.
Since finishing her treatment, Amy’s consultant has been told the tumour is unlikely to grow back, though she ism still being monitored.
Amy added: “In spite of all I’ve been though, I really do feel lucky. Recently, a school mum friend of mine in her mid-30s was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours, after suffering from headaches.
“She was told it was terminal but started radiotherapy, to try to extend her life. She began the treatment on April 26 but, tragically, died two days later, leaving behind an 11-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son.” Motivated by that loss and her own experience, Amy is now raising money for Brain Tumour Research by taking part in its Jog 26 Miles in May campaign. The miles can be completed however and with whoever participants like, ensuring they follow Covid-19 safety guidelines. Amy said: “When I heard about my friend, I knew I just had to do something. I’m aiming to run two miles every other day.
“It’s going to be hard-going but I just put my music on and try to enjoy half an hour of time on my own while I’m out clocking up the miles.” Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We were so very sorry to learn about Amy’s friend. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this terrible time.
“It’s so inspiring that Amy is fundraising for Brain Tumour Research following her own very personal experiences of the disease. We are pleased her tumour was treatable and that she has recovered well from treatment, defying the odds to start a family of her own.
“Her story reminds us, however, that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age.
“Less than 20 percent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers. We cannot allow this drastic situation to continue.”
To join Amy by signing up to take part, join the Jog 26 Miles in May Facebook Group.
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Amy’s fundraising page, visit facebook.com/ donate/753638478680463
In spite of all I’ve been through, I really do feel lucky.
Amy Anderson