Cecilia Hagen Opens Up About Her Battle with Cancer

Author and Expressen columnist Cecilia Hagen is 79 years old. She feels it. Now, she shares her experiences with age-related ailments, arthritis, and the cancer she chooses to ignore.

With the autumn of life come ailments and problems that were previously absent.

For instance, she talks about arthritis, which was pointed out by a doctor during a dinner, Cecilia Hagen recounts.

Another issue she didn't even notice herself was her hearing. It was someone close to her who first pointed it out and urged her to seek help from an audiologist. A suggestion she did not take lightly.

– Me! Would I have any difficulty hearing what someone close to me says? I replied, slightly offended, adding that the complaining person should learn not to mumble so terribly.

But it turned out they were right, and after a visit to the doctor, a pair of hearing aids followed her home.

Her eyes have also reminded her, and she says she probably has the beginnings of cataracts. But she doesn't want to address that issue right now.

– The thought of changing lenses in my eyes is one I am best at suppressing. I would rather avoid having my eyes poked.

The Cancer

Today, there are four pills in her daily dose. Three are a little less daunting – but one is more frightening. She takes it to keep her blood cancer in check.

– It's a disease I don't feel in any way, which has to do with too many red blood cells and probably won't lead to my pale death. I ignore it, and I think it's a good way to somewhat remedy it. But it is said to be chronic.

She also recounts when she needed to have a malignant melanoma removed after discovering a small brown spot on one of her upper arms.

– Now I have a deep pit where the little insignificant dot was.

Death

Cecilia Hagen also mentions death in her summer talk, something she might be afraid of.

– I am quite sure, but I can't answer that until I'm there, and I hope it takes a while longer.

She further reflects on how she would like to die:

– How I want to die, if at all, maybe like my father? He passed away at 94 after having a good dinner at home with his wife, playing a game of backgammon with her as usual, and then going to bed never to wake up again.