A Mother’s Story: Amber’s Pilocytic Astrocytoma Journey

An episode of the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show podcast, hosted by Claire Bullimore, titled "A Mother’s Story: Amber’s Pilocytic Astrocytoma Journey" was published on March 18, 2026 and runs 22 minutes.

March 18, 2026 ·22m · Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show

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Summary

Lara shares the story of her daughter Amber, who was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma on 11th May 2010, when she was just eight months old.What began with a strange movement in Amber’s eye quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare. After an MRI, Lara and Amber’s dad were told that something “not very nice” had been found in their baby’s head. From that moment on, life became a cycle of surgery, chemotherapy, scans, uncertainty, and long-term effects that continue to shape Amber’s life today.In this deeply moving story, Lara speaks about:Amber’s diagnosis as a babyHer first nine-hour brain surgeryThe heartbreak and fear of not knowing if their daughter would come homeChemotherapy in early childhoodTravelling to America for proton beam therapyEmergency surgery after treatmentThe long-term impact of brain tumour treatment on memory, hormones, learning and daily lifeThe emotional toll on the whole familyThe support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the NHS, and brain tumour charitiesThis episode is a powerful reminder that brain tumours do not just affect one moment in time. For many families, the impact lasts for years — through childhood, adolescence, school, identity, and mental health.Lara’s story is raw, honest, heartbreaking and full of love. Above all, it is a tribute to Amber — her strength, her spirit, and everything she has overcome.Content note: This episode includes discussion of infant diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, long-term effects, and parental trauma.

Episode Description

Lara shares the story of her daughter Amber, who was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma on 11th May 2010, when she was just eight months old.

What began with a strange movement in Amber’s eye quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare. After an MRI, Lara and Amber’s dad were told that something “not very nice” had been found in their baby’s head. From that moment on, life became a cycle of surgery, chemotherapy, scans, uncertainty, and long-term effects that continue to shape Amber’s life today.

In this deeply moving story, Lara speaks about:

Amber’s diagnosis as a baby
Her first nine-hour brain surgery
The heartbreak and fear of not knowing if their daughter would come home
Chemotherapy in early childhood
Travelling to America for proton beam therapy
Emergency surgery after treatment
The long-term impact of brain tumour treatment on memory, hormones, learning and daily life
The emotional toll on the whole family
The support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the NHS, and brain tumour charities

This episode is a powerful reminder that brain tumours do not just affect one moment in time. For many families, the impact lasts for years — through childhood, adolescence, school, identity, and mental health.

Lara’s story is raw, honest, heartbreaking and full of love. Above all, it is a tribute to Amber — her strength, her spirit, and everything she has overcome.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of infant diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, long-term effects, and parental trauma.