A terminally ill cervical cancer mother, who is now battling the spread of the disease to her brain, has revealed that she has bought her home from the local authorities for her son's future.
Eileen Rushe who received 'heartfelt apologies' and an undisclosed sum from the HSE for failings in her care at the Louth Co. Hospital says she bought the house in Termonfeckin from Louth Co. Council, where she and her son Seamus have shared so many memories since they moved in shortly after he was born 14 years ago.
The 35 year old has also dismissed researching trials in other countries, preferring to spend every minute of her precious time left with family here instead of travelling abroad for treatment.
Eileen, who remains bubbly and positive, despite her diagnosis is again pleading with parents to sign their children up for the HPV vaccine to ensure they don't suffer the same fate as her.
"I'm delighted I was able to buy my first house and I can leave bricks and mortar now for Seamus," she said.
"The council were so great to deal with. It's the house where Seamus grew up and where we have so many memories. It's the only house where he has ever lived and is surrounded by fabulous neighbours and friends.
"I'm so happy with my decision to buy there and not some house in a new estate where he knows no-one.
"I hope to see him finish his Junior Cert, I hope to see him finish his Leaving Cert, to see him go to his Debs and go to college. That's what I hope but the reality is that I don't know how many of those events I will see.
"The cancer has spread to my brain and there are spots on my liver. I started the first of ten sessions of radiotherapy this week and then I'll hopefully be trying Pembro, which doctors are hoping will give me an average of eleven months more, depending on how I react to it.
"People have asked why I don't go away for treatment but I'm not well enough and I'm not going to gamble time with my family for treatment that may not work.
"I don't want to spend six months away from my son for treatment that might only prolong my life for a month. It is an option for many people but not for me.
"I feel very blessed for what I have. I have an amazing son, an amazing family and a community that never stops to overwhelm me with their thoughts and deeds.
"Cancer is here to stay. It's not going to go away. But I can change what I do.
"Walking the beach used to be one of my favourite things in the world to do and we are looking into access to a beach wheelchair so I can do it in a different way."
Eileen was diagnosed with stage three cancer in December 2018 - despite being monitored for 18 months when abnormal cells showed up during a routine smear test in 2017.
After beating the cancer initially, it returned aggressively, spreading to her spine and lungs.
"On one occasion, Ltletz ( the most common procedure in removing cervical tissue) was not administered but if it was, the likelihood is that I would not be facing a terminal diagnosis today."
The hospital admitted liability, apologised and agreed a settlement but Eileen says she is not angry over what happened.
"It's never ok that mistakes are made and people all across the country are suffering because of mistakes which have been made in the health system.
"I hate that I have to explain to a 14 year old what's happening. I hate what it is doing to my family but I try not to go down the why me route - I don't get anything from it.
"When I found out I had cancer, I told my family and felt each and every one of their hearts break in half. There is literally nothing worse in this world than ruining the dreams of people."
"There is no point in the what could haves and should haves at this point. Hate and bitterness would only serve to sap the energy I have left to spend with my family."
Despite everything, Eileen is urging all parents to get the HPV vaccine for their children and avail of any screening available for themselves.
"I feel very strongly about the vaccine and urge people not to shy away from it. I know Covid-19 delayed the screening last year but it should be rolled out again in schools this year.
"Cervical screening does work. It picked up my abnormal smears and my cancer. It wasn't the screening that failed me.
"I just think that if it existed when I was a teenager, I wouldn't be dying now and my son wouldn't be facing a future as an orphan. And that's the clearest message I can give."
