13 Oct 2026
Ep. 52 Survivor, Not Spectator, Mychelle Thomas's Journey Through Cancer
Notes: Your Life Over 50
Guest: Mychelle Thomas Host: Jean Green
Episode Summary
Mychelle Thomas, a Sacramento native, retired after more than 30 years with the State of California. Part of that time was spent in public health cancer detection, teaching women about the importance of mammograms. When a routine screening she almost skipped found breast cancer during the COVID pandemic, Mychelle had to live what she had been teaching.
In this conversation, Mychelle talks openly about her diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She describes the faith she was raised in and how it deepened through her illness. She explains how her daughter and son supported her, why she waited months to tell the rest of her family, and why she would not make that choice again. She also shares practical things she learned from other patients in waiting rooms, and simple ways friends can support someone going through cancer.
In This Episode
How a childhood spent in church gave Michelle a foundation she leaned on as an adult
Why she almost skipped the mammogram that found her cancer (it involved a free gift)
Attending a surgical consult alone during COVID, with her son joining by FaceTime with questions from an oncologist friend
Choosing a lumpectomy, and learning the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes
Four rounds of chemotherapy and 18 rounds of radiation
Shaving her head the day of her son’s virtual wedding, as a way to take back some control
Reacting badly to the blood-count injections, and her pharmacist cousin’s “everyone bakes the cake differently” explanation of different brands
Losing her brother to cancer, and how that loss stayed with her through treatment
Keeping her diagnosis from extended family through the holidays, and the lesson she learned
The surprise celebration her cousins planned once she finished treatment
Finding community in infusion and radiation waiting rooms
What she learned from a fellow patient about the arm on the side where lymph nodes were removed (no blood pressure readings or blood draws)
Why she now speaks up when she sees a new, unexplained mark on another woman’s skin
Key Takeaways
Keep your screenings. Mychelle’s yearly mammogram found her cancer early, even though she almost cancelled the appointment.
Bring someone with you, even virtually. Treatment appointments are overwhelming, and a second set of ears helps.
Let your people in. Mychelle’s biggest regret was not telling her family sooner, which put extra pressure on her children.
Ask questions and talk to other patients. Some of the most useful information she got came from other patients, and she then confirmed it with her doctor.
Small support matters. A text message, a funny GIF, a fruit basket, or a “thinking of you” can mean a lot to someone in treatment.
Life after treatment is part of the journey. Mychelle now exercises five to six days a week, volunteers at her church, and mentors women facing a diagnosis.
Notable Quotes
“I know I seem tough. I know I seem strong... I don’t think I can do this.”
“If these older people are going through it and they’re fighting, what makes me say I can’t do this?”
“I feel like now I have a testimony.”
“You learn who your true friends are when you go through something like this.”
“Once the journey’s over, you have to find yourself and keep pushing.”
Mychelle shares her personal experience in this episode. It is not medical advice. If you notice any change in your breast, including a lump or an unexplained mark, talk with your doctor and keep up with your screenings.
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