Living with an incurable illness: I never know when my last Christmas will be

Dealing with an incurable illness is difficult at any time, but especially during the festive season, where each moment with loved ones is all the more poignant

Muireann Mc Colgan, who lives in Dublin with her husband Tomasz and their 13-month-old daughter Aobh, is dealing with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer. Diagnosed a year ago after finding a lump in her breast, she had initially been assured that it was nothing to worry about,. but unfortunately, further tests revealed that the cancer had spread to her bones.

Christmas is a special time — families getting together, friends re-uniting, children glowing with excitement and an excuse to indulge for a few days.

But for those with an incurable illness, the festive season takes on a more profound significance — they are all the more likely to appreciate every moment spent with their loved ones and the celebrations.