ESTEVAN — Jeff Hagen of Estevan never imagined his life would take such an unexpected turn. A hardworking electrician with over 40 years in the oil industry, a devoted husband, and a father of three, he spent most of his life providing for his family and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed. But in the summer of 2024, his world shifted dramatically when he was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
"I've worked lots, and then the train came off the track," Hagen said, reflecting on the moment his life changed.
He remembers the first noticeable signs of trouble. Jeff had always experienced back pain, but by mid-2024, it worsened. His right leg would occasionally give out, and he struggled to move without discomfort. Initially suspected to be an infection, a series of tests soon revealed a far more serious condition.
"They don't want to see anything over five," Jeff said of his PSA level, which is a prostate-specific antigen, the marker doctors use to detect prostate cancer. "My first test was 16. By the time I saw the oncologist [in less than a month], it was 60."
The diagnosis was devastating, but Jeff and his wife Lynn Hagen quickly learned that Stage IV doesn't always mean the worst.
"All it means is it's spread," Jeff explained.
Despite the overwhelming news, he maintained a positive outlook, determined to fight the disease for his family.
Jeff and Lynn built a life together in Estevan, raising three daughters who have since moved to different parts of the continent —one in Toronto, one in Fargo, and one closer to home in Colgate. Their family remained their priority, shaping vacations and major life decisions around their daughters. Pictures here are Jeff and Lynn Hagen with their three daughters Becky and Brittany Hagen, and Brianna Nichols with her husband Anthony. Photo courtesy of the Hagen family.
The financial strain of cancer
While medical treatments, including chemotherapy and hormone therapy, are covered by Saskatchewan's health-care system, the costs of living with cancer have added up quickly.
"Bills don't stop coming," Jeff said.
As a self-employed electrician, he had no financial safety net when he became too ill to work. The family suddenly found themselves relying solely on Lynn's income.
"If we had thought about critical illness insurance when we were younger, maybe things would be different," Lynn admitted. "But when you're in your 30s or 40s, you don't think about things like that."
While there are some medical procedures that can be done locally, most of the consultations and treatments occur in Regina. The family has had to carefully manage travel costs for Jeff's weekly – and sometimes thrice-weekly – trips to Regina for treatments. Gas, food and parking costs quickly add up.
In an effort to ease the financial burden, one of their daughters created a GoFundMe page, "Join Team Jeff: Fight Cancer Together." The fundraiser, which raised over $6,000 at the time of the publication, has been a lifeline for the Hagens. But Jeff, never one to ask for help, was caught off guard when he learned about it.
"I got a phone call from my brother saying, 'What the hell's going on, brother?' And I go, 'What are you talking about?'" Jeff recalled, noting that he hardly told anyone he had cancer and had no idea about the fundraising campaign.
The support from the community has been overwhelming, with friends, neighbours and even strangers reaching out to help.
The family said they've had people drop off envelopes with cash, saying they don't use GoFundMe but wanted to help.
Staying positive through the fight
Despite the challenges, Jeff and Lynn remain optimistic. Jeff's upcoming milestone is his daughter's wedding in Toronto this May, which they are determined to attend.
Throughout his battle, Jeff has leaned on his family, his community and a deep well of resilience. His message to others facing similar struggles is simple: "Stay positive. And for men – get your damn PSA checked."
"If they had caught it sooner, before it spread, they could have cured it," Lynn said. "Now that it's in his bones, he'll always have cancer. But we keep fighting."
Prostate cancer, Jeff and Lynn have learned, often goes undetected until it's too late. They now advocate for regular testing, especially for men over 50 and those who have prostate, breast and ovarian cancer running in their families, as those genes can be hereditary and can be carried by both men and women.
"Prevention methods, asking questions, being your own advocate, and realizing that it can be genetic, is key," Lynn added.
While Jeff's diagnosis has forced the family to adapt, one thing remains unchanged – the strength of their bond. Whether it's quiet nights at home, working on small projects together, or navigating the ups and downs of treatment, they take each day as it comes.
"We count our blessings for what is okay in our life and what's good, and we are trying to look forward, trying to appreciate what each day has. You don't really know the outcome, you just have to keep going and keep trying," Lynn said.
Jeff is pictured here with his mother Doreen, brother Daryl, and sisters Candace Weller and Kim Biech. Whether fixing a neighbour's light fixture, welding a gas tank for his daughter’s mini bike, or driving across provinces to help his children, he embodies the definition of selflessness, one of his daughters said in a GoFundMe post. Even after his diagnosis, he struggled with the thought of slowing down, she noted. Photo courtesy of the Hagen family.
As spring approaches, Jeff nears the end of his chemotherapy treatments. The Hagens are hopeful, and they look forward to the next step – radiation therapy, which is supposed to stop cancer from progressing.
The family noted the medical staff they've been working with in Estevan and Regina has been very nice, and they are grateful for the treatment they've experienced.
"We're grateful. Yeah, it's scary, and we do have the unknown, but we are really grateful. We appreciate everything that everyone does. Health care is overwhelmed, but we've been getting excellent care.
"And we're grateful for everyone, our families, our community, everything. We appreciate it, and we notice it. We can't express with words how grateful we are. And I feel it. I definitely feel like we have that circle of support. Good vibes, good karma, your prayers, whatever you want to send us, we'll take them," Lynn said.
For those who want to support Jeff’s fight against cancer, donations can be made through their GoFundMe page Join Team Jeff: Fight Cancer Together or directly by e-transfer to [email protected].
