Introduction
In the face of significant adversity, Leona Macken, a mother of two and a passionate hairdresser, shares her harrowing journey with stage 4 cancer after experiencing two devastating misdiagnoses. Her story resonates with many as she not only confronts her illness but also strives to create joyful memories for her children amidst the struggle.
A Family’s Journey Through Cancer
Leona, who lives in Dublin with her husband Alan and their daughters, Quin and Drew, describes her initial life as “perfect.” Before her diagnosis, Leona enjoyed a fulfilling life that revolved around her family. However, the bubble of happiness burst when she received the shocking news of her cancer diagnosis in 2023.
Following two misdiagnosed smear tests in 2016 and 2020, Leona found herself thrust into a fight for her health that she never anticipated. “We had it all, two perfect kids and a lovely set-up at home,” she reflected. Leona’s perspective shifted as she became aware of the severity of her illness and the impact it would have on her young daughters.
Creating Positive Memories
One of the most poignant moments in Leona’s story is when she had to explain to her daughters why she was losing her hair due to chemotherapy. Instead of letting fear take over, she turned the experience into an opportunity for laughter and bonding. “It was actually a really funny moment, and we were all having a good laugh doing it,” she shared, emphasizing her desire to shield her girls from fear during this tumultuous time.
Misdiagnoses and Their Effects
The misdiagnoses had dire consequences, as Leona noted that she experienced a range of symptoms typical of cervical cancer, including pelvic pain and unusual discharge. Despite her concerns, she felt dismissed by medical professionals. “Nobody said ‘maybe your smear is wrong.’ I did everything I could to be well in my life,” she recalls.
After years of living with these symptoms, a biopsy in 2023 confirmed her worst fears: stage one cancer. Shortly after surgery to remove her reproductive system, further testing revealed that the disease had progressed to stage 4.
Legal Action and Accountability
This traumatic experience led Leona to take legal action against the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the misdiagnosis. In June 2023, she received an apology from the HSE and an undisclosed settlement, marking a significant step toward accountability. As a mother, Leona’s concern for her children weighs heavily on her mind, as she navigates the complexities of illness while aiming to provide stability and happiness for them.
Balancing Hope and Reality
Even as she endures chemotherapy and ongoing immunotherapy treatments, Leona remains focused on her health and well-being. She often deliberates over her choices, whether it’s what to eat or how to spend her time. “Before I eat anything, I always ask myself, ‘what will this do for me?'” she stated, highlighting the constant vigilance required in her battle.
Leona has begun to explore alternative treatments abroad, feeling that options in Ireland may be limited. While her cancer journey has changed her role within her family, she continues to advocate for better healthcare, particularly for women’s health issues. She seeks to engage with policymakers to ensure that other women do not face the same challenges she has endured.
Conclusion
Leona Macken’s story is one of resilience, love, and determination. As she faces each new day, she focuses on the moments spent with her daughters and the hope of sparking necessary changes in the healthcare system. Through her courage, she not only fights for her own life but also for the lives of other women who might find themselves in similar situations. Leona’s journey reminds us of the importance of listening to our bodies and advocating for ourselves in the face of medical uncertainty.
