Weathering the Storm: Jeff and Michele Tanchak share survival story for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Meteorologist Jeff Tanchak’s job is forecasting the weather. But, the popular news personality could have never predicted the storm he and his wife Michele would be thrust right into.

“You go through all these emotions. You‘re scared, and then you’re angry. All of a sudden, your life is just on hold,” expressed 19 News Meteorologist and Lake Effect Expert Jeff Tanchak.

Jeff’s wife of seven years, Michele Tanchack, was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2023, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“I just hate that word. It’s awful,” said Jeff. “You gotta try, you know, do something to try to take your mind off of it. Just look forward and try to do whatever you can to get through it.”

Doctors discovered the cancer months after Michele went for her annual mammogram.

“One day, you know, you’re normal. And then the next day, everything changes,” described Michele Tanchak.

During that routine mammogram, doctors first noticed a spot. But at the time, they weren’t too concerned.

“They saw a spot. But because of the dense tissue, they didn’t know what it was. They said it was probably not anything. You know, sometimes this happens,” Michele said.

“It’s probably not anything but come back in six months.”

“I kept coming across people that I found that I knew that had been diagnosed,” Michele indicated.

It was sign, Michele says, to make sure she went to that follow up appointment for a more extensive mammogram and ultrasound.

“The radiologist came in and he told me, ‘You know, we need to do a biopsy. We see a couple of spots. It looks like it‘s changed from the previous time you came in,’” described Michele.

“There‘s always that denial like, ’Oh, everything‘s fine. You know it’s not going to happen to us,’” Jeff expressed.

The biopsy revealed the couple’s worst fear, cancer.

“I was just kind of really in shock mode and then he was too,” stated Michele.

Dr. Ashley Simpson, a Breast Surgical Oncologist, is one of the several doctors at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center who is part of Michelle’s incredible team.

“So if this had gone further unchecked, it could have been stage 4 or incurable diagnosis. She’s such a warrior. But on top of that, she and Jeff seem to just have the best outlook on life and just always looking for the positive,” described Dr. Simpson.

With her faith, family and best friend, her husband Jeff, by her side fighting this disease, the Behavioral Health Specialist, whose job is to help others going through a crisis, took on cancer.

Michele underwent more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy that lasted for several months. All while still working her stressful job.

She says Jeff’s love and laughter during those dark days kept her going.

Six months after cancer forever changed their lives, Michele is now cancer-free.

She underwent a mastectomy followed by several rounds of radiation, five days a week for several months. She now takes cancer-fighting drugs and hormones.

The couple has turned those gloomy days into brighter days, saying it’s made them stronger.

They share her cancer survivor story with others with the hope of saving lives.

“Because, you know, if you can count on somebody during your most difficult time in your life — if you can’t count on them then, you know it’s not right — and he was there for me,” said Michele as she wiped away a tear.

“You darn tootin. I’m here for you hun,” Jeff interjected as he affectionately kissed his wife on the cheek during the emotional moment.

,