A 39-year-old woman from Essex has made headlines after receiving a stark diagnosis of aggressive blood cancer during her pregnancy. Amy De Silva’s tale is one of resilience as she navigated life-threatening circumstances while expecting her third child.
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In November 2024, Amy and her husband, Greg, learned they were expecting a new arrival. However, following a routine blood test at just ten weeks into her pregnancy that raised concerns, further examinations were conducted, ultimately leading to a bone marrow biopsy. The results confirmed Amy’s worst fears: she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a serious and fast-developing cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Despite experiencing what she thought was ordinary pregnancy fatigue, she had assumed her tiredness was due to her pregnancy.
Reflecting on this whirlwind of emotions, Amy recounted the turning point in her life, stating, “We were preparing to tell everyone I was pregnant, but instead found ourselves announcing I needed to spend a month in the hospital.” The grave diagnosis presented her with an unbearable dilemma: life-saving chemotherapy was necessary, but there was no guarantee of survival for her unborn child.
“I was desperate to keep him, but at the same time I wanted to stay alive for my boys,” Amy shared, highlighting the emotional tug-of-war she was experiencing. The chemotherapy commenced in February 2025, involving a regime of daily treatments over a ten-day period, during which her doctors conducted regular scans to monitor the baby’s wellbeing.
Despite the urgent situation, Amy faced unforeseen complications shortly after her first round of chemotherapy. She had to return to the hospital due to sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal condition where the body can begin to attack its own tissues. “Within 12 hours of getting home after my first round of chemotherapy, my temperature spiked, and I had to rush back,” Amy recalled. Unfortunately, sepsis plagued her again during the latter rounds of her treatment, necessitating further hospitalisation and monitoring for her and her child.
Amy ultimately gave birth to her son, Chester, six weeks ahead of schedule on June 29, 2025. Remarkably, Chester spent less than two weeks in special care, astonishing both his parents with how well he thrived. “When I woke up from the surgery, the staff took me to his incubator. I cried when I saw him,” Amy said, expressing her overwhelming joy upon finally holding her “little miracle.”
Today, Amy is in remission; however, she must continue regular blood and bone marrow biopsies every three months for the next two years as part of her ongoing care regimen.
In a show of support, Amy’s twin brother, Jack Sibbons, is preparing to run the London Marathon in April to raise funds for Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where his sister received the life-saving treatment. Amy expressed her gratitude saying, “The staff at Addenbrooke’s were incredible. They saved my life, and they saved Chester’s life.”
Jack’s fundraising campaign aims to give back to the hospital that played a critical role in their journey. “I am incredibly proud and humbled by all of the support we’ve had with our fundraising so far,” Amy remarked, emphasising how thankful she is for the chance to be alive and for the extended support from friends, family, and the community.
As they continue to move forward as a family, the De Silvas hope to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those affected by cancer, particularly during sensitive times such as pregnancy. Amy’s story stands as a testament to the human spirit’s strength, affirming the importance of both medical care and the emotional support that accompanies such life-altering diagnoses.