Dearbhla Mescal Opens Up About Cancer Battle and New Book

Dearbhla Mescal, mother of actor Paul Mescal and singer Nell, has publicly shared her experience battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She announced she is now in remission whereas discussing her new book, Finding Joy: Capturing the Beauty of Ordinary Life in 28 Days.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dearbhla was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022, shortly after watching a tennis match at Wimbledon [RTE]. She underwent a stem cell transplant in 2023 and is now in remission [RTE], [The Journal].

Sharing the News with Family

Mescal found it particularly challenging to tell her children – Paul, Nell and Donnacha – about her diagnosis. At the time, Donnacha was in New York, Nell was in London, and Paul was filming All of Us Strangers [RTE].

‘Finding Joy’ and Daffodil Day

Her book, Finding Joy, grew out of an online journal where she encouraged others to share moments of happiness [RTE]. Mescal spoke about her journey on the Late Late Show with her family in the audience [RTE]. She was also seen wearing a daffodil in support of the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day on March 20 [RTE].

Gratitude and Positive Outlook

Mescal expressed her gratitude for the excellent care she received, noting that she was treated at a center of excellence for her specific cancer. She stated, “I have multiple myeloma, I’m in remission so life is good” [RTE].