One test, one diagnosis, one message: get screened

For James “Jamey” Tidwell, life has always centered on family, positivity and living life to the fullest. The 46-year-old Nashville native lives just minutes from TriStar Summit Medical Center with his wife, Ashley. They are raising their family and will celebrate 17 years of marriage this September. Known for encouraging others, Jamey is now drawing on that same spirit as he faces an unexpected health journey, and using his story to remind others to take their health seriously.

Last fall, he noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“I was just having some digestive issues,” Jamey said. “It was new for me, so I tried to listen to my body.”

At first, Jamey and his primary care physician believed the symptoms might be connected to a new medication. But when they didn’t improve, his doctor recommended a colonoscopy.

“We recommend 45 to 50 now for colonoscopies,” Jamey recalled his doctor saying. “You’re 46 years old. Let’s just see what story that tells us.”

Cancer wasn’t on his radar. Jamey assumed the test might reveal IBS or another digestive issue. Instead, after the procedure, he and Ashley were called into a consultation room and received news they never expected.

“We were blindsided,” Jamey said. “I almost wanted to ask if they had the right chart.”

Jamey was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, despite having no family history.

After the initial shock, Jamey and Ashley quickly shifted their focus to what came next.

“If that is the scenario, what do we do for the best outcome?” Jamey said. “Once there was a plan, we just dove straight into it.”

His care team moved quickly to coordinate treatment, and within weeks, he began radiation treatment at TriStar Summit, part of the HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network. Clear communication and a patient-focused approach have made a meaningful difference.

“They explain what’s going to happen and why,” he said. “That reassurance really matters.”

Throughout treatment, Jamey and Ashley have leaned on each other and a strong support system. Each morning before treatment, Ashley hands her husband a letter, part of a collection she gathered from family, friends and colleagues.

“At first he thought they were just from me and the kids,” Ashley said. “Encouragement is how we’ve always lived our lives, and I wanted him to keep that mentality through treatment.”

A few weeks in, Jamey realized the letters were coming from many different people.

“Now I look forward to them every day,” he said. “It’s a reminder that I’m not in this alone.”

Those daily messages have become a powerful reminder that he’s not fighting alone. Friends had bracelets made, bearing the message #Tidwell Strong and Together We Fight. 

“I had someone wearing one of my bracelets hand me my food at a restaurant,” he said. “We didn’t know each other, but it meant a lot.”

Now, he’s sharing his story to raise awareness. Colorectal cancer is increasing among younger adults, and screenings are now recommended beginning at age 45.

“I made people promise me that they will get screened,” he said, when talking about the new screening guidelines. “You not only owe it to yourself, but you owe it to your family and kids and everyone else that you support in your life.”

He also hopes to break the stigma around discussing digestive health.

“You’ve got to get past whatever discomfort might be in the way,” he said. “Early detection is so important.”

As he continues treatment, Jamey remains focused on the same outlook that has defined his life: gratitude, encouragement, determination and grit.