Dara Madden argues for local cancer support in new Meath essay
In a personal essay published by RSVP Live, 39-year-old Meath mother Dara Madden details her diagnosis with stage two, grade three triple-positive breast cancer in August 2023 and calls for improved local oncology services. Madden, who shares sons Noah and Louis with her husband Tom, argues that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy should not have to endure long journeys to Drogheda or Dublin for support, noting that she and other survivors are currently working to establish a permanent Meath-based support group and discussing the initiative with the Oireachtas to secure funding.
Finding a second lump in August 2023
Madden writes that everything changed when she discovered a large lump in August 2023, five years after noticing a smaller, Tic Tac-sized growth on her breast when her firstborn was ten weeks old. At that initial checkup years prior, medical staff told her the tissue was benign and nothing to worry about. When the new mass appeared in the exact same location, she initially presumed it was the original tissue before realizing it had ballooned. A GP referral led to an appointment at the Mater Private two weeks later, where doctors confirmed the mass was cancer by the end of August 2023.
Double mastectomy and TCHP chemotherapy at the Mater Private
Madden underwent a seven-hour surgery on September 14, 2023, performing a double mastectomy with a DIEP flap reconstruction utilizing her own tissue and muscle rather than implants. Surgeons removed five of her 17 lymph nodes and discovered a second, entirely unrelated tumor directly beside the primary mass, which doctors also excised. Following the operation, she completed six months of TCHP chemotherapy, 20 sessions of radiation, and an additional 12 rounds of T-DM1 chemotherapy. She credits her husband’s private health insurance through work for securing a rapid referral and efficient surgical care at the Mater Private, acknowledging the physical toll of a recovery that restricted her from lifting her young children for weeks.
Current remission and the push for local Oireachtas funding
Madden is currently in remission and taking Tamoxifen, alongside quarterly injections to keep her ovaries dormant due to the hormone-positive nature of her cancer. She also visits the Mater every three months for bone infusions to counteract potential osteoporosis caused by low estrogen levels, while managing hot flashes associated with menopause. Alongside her medical follow-ups, she serves as an ambassador for the 4TH ARQ x Breast Cancer Ireland 2026 collaboration—featuring limited-edition Maddox Fleece Half-Zips designed by Rosie Connolly Quinn—which directs all profits toward funding an additional ultrasound room at Beaumont Breast Centre in Dublin to reduce waiting lists. Locally, she and fellow survivors continue discussions with the Oireachtas to establish a dedicated Meath cancer support center.
When was Dara Madden diagnosed?
When was Dara Madden diagnosed with breast cancer?
Madden received her official breast cancer diagnosis at the end of August 2023 after finding a visible lump earlier that month.
What type of breast cancer did she have?
She was diagnosed with stage two, grade three, triple-positive breast cancer that had spread to five of her 17 lymph nodes.
What treatment did Madden receive following her diagnosis?
She underwent a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction on September 14, 2023, followed by six months of TCHP chemotherapy, 20 radiation sessions, and 12 rounds of T-DM1 chemotherapy.
How are the 4TH ARQ x Breast Cancer Ireland 2026 collaboration items supporting patients?
The collaboration sells limited-edition Maddox Fleece Half-Zips for €40 on www.4THARQ.com, with all profits directed toward developing an additional ultrasound room at Beaumont Breast Centre in Dublin.
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