Woman, 78, Diagnosed with Three Distinct Cancers After Abnormal Mammogram

Mary Ann Thomas describes her reaction to a triple cancer diagnosis as one of profound surprise. “To say I was shocked would be an understatement,” she tells PEOPLE regarding the events that unfolded after an abnormal mammogram result in June 2025.

Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis

The 78-year-old had not undergone a mammogram for several years prior to this appointment. While awaiting further testing following the unusual initial results, Mary Ann experienced bleeding despite being postmenopausal for years.

Her wife, Shelley, transported her to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center in Shenandoah, Texas. There, medical professionals identified three separate conditions: breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and lymphoma located in her fallopian tubes.

Nature of the Conditions

“It was difficult to comprehend how three separate cancers could occur at the same time,” Mary Ann recalls. She initially questioned whether this represented three distinct primary cancers or a single metastasized disease.

Her anxiety lessened when doctors clarified that none of the cancers had spread. “In fact, the three cancers were entirely unrelated to one another,” says Mary Ann, who retired earlier this year and married her longtime partner.

Although the simultaneous diagnoses were overwhelming, she expressed gratitude that each condition was detected before spreading.

Treatment and Support Systems

Mary Ann’s treatment regimen included six sessions of chemotherapy and vaginal radiation therapy. Throughout this period, her wife Shelley provided continuous care. “She remained by my side during every procedure, never once leaving me to face anything alone,” Mary Ann states.

The Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center also assisted her. Mary Ann participated in nutrition classes, utilized prosthetic services, attended a physician-led lecture from Texas Oncology, and enjoyed a facial.

“The organization’s commitment to caring for the whole person is truly remarkable,” she notes, adding that these resources helped her feel informed and supported.

Current Health Status

Mary Ann reports feeling well and confirms she is in complete remission. “Aside from the occasional aches and pains that come with age, I consider myself incredibly fortunate,” she says.

Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes gratitude for the exceptional medical care, family support, and personal resilience discovered along the way. “Looking back, my heart is filled with thankfulness for every person who walked alongside me on this journey.”