Blessedly for you and for me, I promise you this may be one of my shortest blog posts of all time. But it may be one of the more important ones.
If you recognize that beautifully shot still life photo at the top of today's post, you'll know where we're headed. If not, listen up, because this one could literally be a matter of life and death.
While you're reading this, I'm undergoing a routine colonoscopy (whatever “routine” means). There is colon cancer on several branches of my family tree, so I've been undergoing these tests every five years for the last few decades.
Until this year. My “anniversary” rolled around last summer but I was too busy to schedule a colonoscopy. And then COVID happened, and I started rationalizing why I didn't want to bother with another of these tests right now. And so I've stalled, delayed, postponed, procrastinated – you name it, I've come up with novel delays and clever excuses.
And then in late July, The Ticket's morning host, Jamie Samuelsen, surprised his listeners with the sad news that he had been battling colon cancer for more than a year. A couple days later, he was gone.
Jamie was just 48, married with three young kids. I had the pleasure of working with him, first at WRIF and then WCSX a few years back. We had not met before socially, so this was my opportunity to get to know him.
And what a class act. Not only was he warm, sane, and smart, Jamie was a team player. His role changed more than once in a short period of time while we worked together. But his focus was always on what was good for the stations, the cluster.
Jamie and his partner at the time, Bob Wojnowski (Wojo) also made a cameo appearance at our second DASH Conference here in Detroit. By then, he was becoming a fixture on The Ticket, where he would later move to mornings, co-anchoring with veteran Mike Stone.
When Jamie finally talked about his medical condition, his message to his listeners was a simple one:
“For years, the whole joke has been, ‘you turn 50, you get that colonoscopy.' I'm trying to advise men and women of our age to get it sooner rather than later. I've had three very close friends already who told me that they got a colonoscopy because I did, and they found polyps early and had them removed. And I'm so grateful for that.”
Count me in. Jamie's admission on the air was all the incentive I needed to make the appointment for my belated colonoscopy. So, yesterday was “prep day” (believe me, I'd rather be preparing for a morning show), and today's the “big dance.”
You've seen the ongoing meme on social media these past few months. It's been all about the continued onslaught of bad news throughout 2020. Just when you think it couldn't possibly get worse, it does.
Chadwick Boseman passing over the weekend of colon cancer was another grim reminder of what Jamie Samuelsen hoped to get across. Boseman was just 43, a brilliant actor full of talent and promise. In their shortened careers, both Boseman and Samuelsen were stars in their communities, influential to many, leaving behind family and friends heartbroken by their passing.
And they should both grab your attention. As you know, I'm not a celebrity by any means. I'm a radio consultant with a blog that a lot of you read.
So, I hope you read today's post, take Jamie's words to heart, and even in this year of COVID where health is the lead story on virtually every newscast, think about your own well-being, as well as your friends, family members, and co-workers – the people who count on you.
The American Cancer Society has moved the recommended age for a colonoscopy down to 45. That's because the incidence rate of colon cancer has gone up among younger people. And even when you hit “the fourth floor” as both Samuelsen and Boseman had, it's not a bad time to have that conversation with your doctor, especially if you have a family history like mine.
Condolences to both Boseman's and Samulsen's friends and loved ones.
Thanks for indulging me with today's post, I'll be back tomorrow with a (hopefully) more pleasant topic.
Meanwhile, time to go. 🙂
Postscript: As usual, the prep is far worse than the procedure. I'm back, I'm fine, and just had a delicious (greasy) breakfast of corned beef hash & eggs. Thanks for your kind thoughts and good wishes. I hope the post resonated. You are appreciated. – FJ
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Congratulations Fred! You just saved a life. My first colonoscopy doc made me promise before he put me under that I would talk about it on the air. He said every time a very public conversation is struck up on this subject someone who has procrastinated in doing this life saving procedure will finally take action.
He quoted me a stat that men are the worst at procrastination when it comes to their health. Eventually 40% of those male procrastinators will find themselves in tough medical situations.
Good Luck Today!
I’m hoping that you’re right, Mike. If just one person acts on the post…
Much appreciated.
You are to be commended for the breadth of your articles, Fred. No regular radio writer are you, sir!
Appreciated, Jimmy.
Great post Fred. Thanks for doing that!
Thanks you, Brent. Much appreciated.
A topic no guy wants to think about, let alone discuss.
A good friend of mine convinced me to have the test, that my doctor was browbeating me over, back in 2018 and thankfully I was all clear. It is NO WHERE NEAR as bad as I had conjured up in my mind. And the peace if mind I had after it was priceless.
I propose a Mirax toast to you Fred! Thanks for sharing.
L’chaim, Jack. It went as smoothly as possible. And thanks!
Best to you today, Fred.
But i bet you’ll enjoy a big lunch afterwards!
11 years ago this December, I went in for my routine Colonoscopy, only to find a stranger standing with my wife when I woke, thinking either bad news or they are leaving together for a desert island.
It was Bad News.
3 weeks later, I was having surgery to remove a tumor on my colon, next to my liver. I am now 11 years “cancer free” and thank God for my good fortune, and great surgeon and oncologist. I was 54.
The week following my surgery, I found out that one of my best media friends – age 41 – went for his first colonoscopy because he was having some “issues”..discovering he had stage 4 colon cancer. He passed 5 years later, also leaving a wife and 3 children.
Fred, a most timely article. Those of you reading this article, DON’T wait till you are in your mid 50’s for a test. They are as simple today as a self contained test you can get from your GP or Internist.
Everyday is a GIFT!
Thanks for sharing that story, Scott. We are fortunate this testing exists. Glad your well after all these years.
This is a mitzvah, Fred.
Appreciate that, Tom. Thank you.
Going through this procedure a number of times I know that you know that yesterday was much worse than today. Thanks for once again a very good and needed artical. Good luck today.
I just did one a month ago. The prep the day before is the mildly uncomfortable part…some fasting, some solution to drink to cleanse you out, and that’s it. The day of, it takes only a couple of hours…a friend drives you there…waits or returns for you…then you go home. You feel nothing during the procedure and nothing after. It’s a reboot for your system. And the best part: Most health plans willingly cover this – they know preventative care like this saves money down the road…and it saves LIVES. Please book the procedure and let some very competent and very nice people take care of you for a little while.
well done Fred! I have lost too many radio friends and family members to this senseless disease, I did one a few months ago, it’s the easiest test to get to save your life! Great that you’re raising awareness! LOVE this!
Appreciated, Michael. Thank you.
Keep rockin’, Fred!
Thanks, Chris.
Hey Fred,
This may be your most important post ever.
I put off getting a colonoscopy for at least 10 years, maybe 15 since the last one. In mid-April, I checked in to Minneapolis VA emergency after 3 days of uncontrollable bodily functions and extreme abdominal discomfort. A colonoscopy confirmed stage 3b colon cancer. The team removed a 12″ section containing a golf ball sized mass and half a dozen malignant polyps.
Unfortunately, some cells made it through the wall. So now, I’m halfway through a 24 week chemo regimen. So I’ll likely feel crappy until the end of the year.
Chances are good I wouldn’t be dealing with any of this if only I’d kept up on preventive testing.
Thanks for getting the word out, Fred.
Appreciate that & your story, Jim. Get through this, please, and thanks for persuasively getting the word out.