Carrie Howard, 43, a mother from Wigan, was diagnosed with stage three triple-negative breast cancer in July 2022 after discovering a pea-sized lump in her left breast. This aggressive type of breast cancer, known for spreading quickly, was also found in her lymph nodes. Despite the severity, doctors assured her it was treatable. Carrie immediately began a six-month chemotherapy regimen.
She described the experience as brutal, losing her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. In January 2023, Carrie underwent a left mastectomy followed by radiotherapy to eradicate the cancer. A scan three months later showed she was cancer-free, and she celebrated this milestone by ringing the hospital’s bell.
Life After Initial Treatment
Following her treatment, Carrie gradually returned to normal life. She resumed work, supported her sons Theo (14) and Reuben (10) at soccer practice, and enjoyed a family holiday. She felt hopeful and optimistic that cancer was behind her.
Recurrence and Delayed Diagnosis of Brain Metastasis
In December 2024, Carrie experienced recurring headaches, balance issues, and a tendency to lean to one side while walking. Despite visiting her GP three times and being treated for vertigo, her symptoms persisted. Finally, at Wigan Hospital’s A&E, an MRI scan revealed a shadow in her brain.
Further tests confirmed that Carrie’s triple-negative breast cancer had metastasized to her brain, advancing to stage four. She underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove a large brain tumor, followed by targeted radiation therapy to treat a smaller, hard-to-reach tumor.
Challenges of Treating Brain Metastases in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer that spreads to the brain is particularly challenging. The blood-brain barrier restricts many chemotherapy drugs, reducing their effectiveness in treating brain tumors. Carrie’s family doctor noted that Wigan Hospital had only treated two other patients with this condition, limiting available data and treatment protocols.
Family’s Fight and Fundraising Efforts
Carrie’s husband, James Howard, 43, and their two sons have stood by her side throughout her battle. The family is now seeking alternative treatments and clinical trials in the UK and abroad, given the limited options for her specific condition.
Friend Rebecca van der Lee has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Carrie’s treatment and recovery, raising over £17,000 so far. A live music and karaoke fundraiser is scheduled for June 6 at The Farmers Arms in Bispham, Lancashire.
Advocacy and Awareness
Carrie is raising awareness about breast cancer, secondary cancers, and the critical importance of regular self-examinations to detect lumps early. She also advocates for full-body scans for patients with lymph node involvement, as this can help identify metastases earlier and improve treatment outcomes.
Reflections from Carrie and Family
“When I rang the bell after treatment in 2023, it felt like a weight had lifted and life could start over,” Carrie said. “But the brain tumor was always there. It was hard to tell my kids that I needed more treatment.”
James added, “Carrie still has a lot of fight left, but we know there’s only so much anyone can take. We hope for the best but are preparing for whatever comes next.”
Related topics:
- Nimrrit Kaur Ahluwalia: Told To Get Breast Implants At 23
- Rhian Sugden Stuns In Sheer Bodysuit Before Breast Reduction
- Alexis Bellino’s Warning: Silicone Leaking After Fourth Implant Surgery
