Erin McNaught shares emotional update one month after baby Obi’s brain tumour surgery
“Sobbed so hard I couldn’t breathe”: Model Erin McNaught shares a raw update one month after her son’s brain tumour surgery.
Model and mum-of-three Erin McNaught has shared a moving update on her eight-month-old son Obi, one month after he underwent surgery to remove a large brain tumour.
In an emotional post shared to Instagram, the 43-year-old opened up about the challenging past four weeks.
“It’s 1 month today since Obi had surgery to remove a massive brain tumour that he was only diagnosed with a few days prior,” Erin began the caption, alongside a video of her and her partner, music producer Stace Cadet (real name Stasi Kotaras), cradling Obi in hospital.
“Stas and I woke early, and while he went to the hospital, I stayed for a little while longer, trying to deal with what was about to happen. I stood on the balcony and watched the sunrise and sobbed so hard I couldn’t breathe. The thought that this sunrise might be the last one we saw with him still here on this earth was unbearable. When he made it through the surgery, we returned to the balcony and watched the sunset and we cried again together.”
Since the surgery, Erin says Obi has continued to amaze them with his recovery, taking small but meaningful steps forward each day.
“We still don’t know what his future holds, but then again, no one ever does. For now, we are filled with joy, and happiness, and a deep sense of gratitude.”
A terrifying diagnosis no parent expects
Erin and Stace first noticed something was wrong when Obi began showing a “rapid decline” in his behaviour and wellbeing, struggling with eating, sleeping, and holding his head upright.
Following a precautionary MRI in June, Erin shared the heartbreaking diagnosis with followers on June 12:
“Late on Tuesday, as a precaution, we took our little man in for an MRI under instruction from our Doctor. At about 6:00pm Tuesday night we met with a neurosurgeon who broke the heartbreaking news that Obi has a large brain tumour on the right side of his brain.”
Just days later, Obi underwent a six-hour surgery to remove the tumour. Erin described the experience as “absolutely shattering,” adding that the days following the diagnosis were “our hardest days.”
Thanks to the dedicated team at Queensland Children’s Hospital, Obi was discharged from hospital on June 27, and has continued his recovery at home with his family.
“We hold him close”
Erin and Stace welcomed Obi in October 2024, and he is the youngest of Erin’s three children. She also shares sons Evander, 7, and Ennio, 5, with her ex-husband, British musician Example.
As the family reflects on the past month, Erin says they are clinging to each other more tightly than ever.
“We hold him close, and we hold our big boys, and we marvel at our little family, and how lucky we are. And we love each other the hardest.”
What to know about childhood brain tumours
Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours in children and the second most common type of childhood cancer, after leukaemia.
- Symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the tumour, but may include persistent headaches, vomiting (especially in the morning), trouble with balance or coordination, changes in vision or speech, unexplained behaviour changes, head tilt or trouble holding the head upright in infants
- Diagnosis is typically made with MRI or CT scans and involves a multidisciplinary medical team including paediatric oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists.
- Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination, depending on the type and stage of the tumour.
- Early detection and specialist care are crucial in improving outcomes.
For more information or support, visit Children’s Cancer Institute or Brain Tumour Alliance Australia.
