Jason Reiss | Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
This March, we're continuing our spotlight series in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by introducing you to Jason Reiss, a fierce stage IV cancer warrior from Woodlyn, Pennsylvania. His strength, advocacy, and leadership within the Man Up to Cancer community are nothing short of inspiring.
Q: Can you share details about your diagnosis (stage, how long you’ve been fighting, etc.)?
A: I am a stage IV rectal cancer patient, diagnosed on November 23, 2021. My cancer has metastasized to my liver. The tumors there were innumerable at diagnosis.
Q: What prompted you to get screened for colorectal cancer?
A: All of the symptoms recognized as classic CRC symptoms: blood in my stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue. I was working an incredibly demanding new job that summer, so I passed the fatigue and weight loss off to my insane schedule. Obviously, it was not that. Once the blood in my stool became alarming, it was off to the doctor. Bloodwork, then a CT scan, then a biopsy of my liver, and finally a colonoscopy to determine the location of my primary tumor. All of that occurred in about eight weeks during the fall of 2021. Since then I have had 54 infusions, five surgeries, three radiation courses, and have swallowed hundreds of chemo pills in an attempt to keep my cancer at bay.
Q: How did you discover Man Up to Cancer? What has your experience been in the group?
A: A friend of mine who was diagnosed right around the same time as I was invited me to join, and since then I have made so many lifelong friends in the short time (3 years-ish) that I've been in the group. I have also taken a leadership-type role. I was a member of the Facebook group's admin team for a while and I am also the chapter leader of our Liberty Bell chapter (Philadelphia/South Jersey/DE). We have around 40 members in our chapter. I have led a mini-Gathering of Wolves for our local chapter members and we have another one coming up in May 2025. Although I am not as active in the FB group as I once was, that’s because I'm out living my life.
Q: What do you wish you could tell others after your experience?
A: DON'T WAIT. If something seems wrong, GO TO THE DOCTOR. Especially if you are dealing with CRC symptoms, as they don't call it the Silent Killer for nothing. Even today, almost three and a half years into my diagnosis, I have experienced very little pain that is directly related to my cancer. Sure, I've had pain recovering from life-altering surgeries (I now poop into a bag thanks to a permanent colostomy from an abdominoperineal resection) but cancer itself has not been painful. So had I not gone to the doctor when I did, I would not be here to write this today. My first oncologist told me that if I had waited six more months, there would have been nothing he could do to help me. Even WITH all of the treatments I've had, my cancer is still considered incurable. But I'm planning to be around for a while yet.
Q: What do you think is the biggest stigma men face when it comes to cancer?
A: Talking about the disease. Many men I meet with cancer express how difficult it is to share details of what they are going through, even with their spouse or partner, for fear of seeming weak. I have also seen many men come out of their shells after joining MUTC and realizing that they are not alone.
Q: What has been your favorite memory or experience with MUTC members so far?
A: I am a veteran of all three Gatherings plus several mini-Gatherings, and have had some of the best times of my life with fellow Man Up To Cancer members at those events. The shared connection and understanding between members in attendance must be experienced to be understood. It's about being with others who understand your struggles without you needing to vocalize them. Being a member of MUTC has been one of the highlights of my life.
