The Perfect Life Turned Upside Down
Leona Macken once enjoyed what she described as a “perfect life”—a loving husband, Alan, and two beautiful daughters, Quin and Drew. However, this idyllic existence was shattered when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2023 after enduring two misdiagnoses of cervical cancer in 2016 and 2020. The mother of two is now fighting not just for her life but also to raise awareness about the importance of accurate health screenings.
A Heartfelt Transition
After receiving chemotherapy, Leona had a candid discussion with her daughters about her hair loss due to medical treatments. To make the experience less intimidating, she included them in the process of shaving her head. “It was a really funny moment, and we were all having a good laugh doing it,” she shared. Leona understood that this journey, although difficult, needed to have lighter moments for her children’s sake.
Life Before Cancer
Before facing this battle, Leona celebrated every aspect of her life—from her beautiful family to her career as a hairdresser. She fondly recalled the early days with Alan, who she said they built a life together with love and laughter, but they had their struggles. “When people say you just know, well we knew,” she reminisced. Her joy in motherhood came naturally, and she embraced every moment with her girls, creating lasting happy memories.
Shattering the Illusion
However, life took a dramatic turn following her cancer diagnosis. Leona articulated her fears about the emotional damage that her illness could inflict on her daughters. “I am not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of what it will do to my children,” she said, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with being both a mother and a patient battling cancer.
Confronting Misdiagnosis
Leona’s misdiagnosis saga began years ago when her abnormal smear tests went undetected. Despite displaying numerous symptoms consistent with cervical cancer, doctors failed to take her seriously. It wasn’t until a smear test in early 2023 that she finally received a correct diagnosis, but only after significant physical and emotional turmoil.
The Court Case
In June, Leona’s struggle caught public attention, leading to a court case where the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued an apology for the failures that contributed to her late diagnosis. She received an undisclosed settlement and made clear her intention to use this funding for any potential treatments available abroad. “Is that what my life is worth?” she questioned, a poignant reminder of the human cost behind medical negligence.
Living with Cancer
After completing her chemotherapy treatments, Leona now undergoes immunotherapy every three weeks. While she remains committed to her health, her role within her family has shifted significantly. “I was the mammy and wanted the girls to see me as independent and strong,” she reflected. This transition not only affects Leona but also reshapes the dynamics of her household as her family rallies around her.
Advocating for Change
Leona is determined to use her platform to advocate for better cervical cancer screening practices. She plans to meet with health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to discuss women’s health issues, particularly the CervicalCheck audit, emphasizing that many women like her deserve a thorough review of their cases. “Women deserve better, and we know our own bodies,” she asserted. Leona’s story is not just about her fight; it’s about making an impactful change for future generations.
Conclusion
While Leona Macken navigates the trials of cancer, she emphasizes the importance of awareness, family, and hope. Her journey serves as a reminder that health outcomes can be transformed through accountability, advocacy, and love. Each day, she strives to create beautiful moments for her daughters, affirming that while the diagnosis changed her life, her spirit and determination remain unshaken.
