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

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.