Days of our Lives Recap, May 26: Chanel learns she has breast cancer

On the Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Days of our Lives, Joy helped Alex bond with Kelsey, Xander talked to Marlena about his progress, Jennifer made a truce with Cat, and Chanel and Johnny received terrible news.

Baby O’Mine

Joy and Alex took care of Kelsey | Image: Peacock

Joy delivered Kelsey to Alex for their playdate, and she admitted she was nervous to leave her baby alone with Alex. When Alex explained that Stephanie had gone to China so that he could spend time alone with Kelsey to bond with her, Joy expressed her concern that Stephanie was avoiding Kelsey.

Alex admitted things were difficult, but that he and Stephanie were committed to one another. Joy said she hoped things worked out, because she did not want to hurt Alex’s marriage. Alex showed Joy the book that Stephanie had gotten for Kelsey. When Kelsey started to cry, Joy agreed to stay and show Alex how to care for his daughter.

To forgive and not forget

Jennifer made amends with Cat | Image: Peacock

In the pub, Leo encouraged a distracted Chad to open up. “I think my brother is moving in on Cat,” Chad said. Chad admitted that it bothered him. Leo noted that it was understandable considering how the break-up had unfolded. “And EJ is still EJ,” Leo added. Leo thought about his theory that Cat was ISA and told Chad that he did not think Cat had any romantic interest in EJ. Chad pushed Leo to explain why he thought that, but Leo refused to say.

Cat ran into Jennifer in the square. Jennifer admitted that she had had a difficult time letting go of her anger toward Cat, even though Cat had always taken responsibility for her actions. “But I just couldn’t find it in myself to forgive you,” Jennifer said. Jennifer explained that she and Jack had been attending therapy. Jennifer apologized to Cat for having repeatedly attacked her and asked for a truce.

“Does that mean that you forgive me?” Cat asked. Jennifer said yes and admitted that she had hurt people over the years, and that she had been shown grace. “I’d like to offer you the same,” Jennifer said. Cat teared up and she said she was grateful. Jennifer told Cat that she accepted responsibility for her part in causing a rift between Thomas and Chad, but she did not know if she could handle Cat dating Chad again. Cat said that she and Chad understood that there was no chance for them to be together.

After Jennifer’s conversation with Cat, she headed over to the pub and ran into Chad. Jennifer told Chad about her conversation with Cat. Jennifer said that she wanted a truce with Chad, but she was still opposed to Chad dating Cat because of Abigail. Chad promised to never forget Abigail.

EJ met up with Cat in the square, where she explained that she wanted the afternoon off to attend Sophia’s memorial with Aaron. EJ told Cat that Johnny had asked him to forgive Sophia and he'd agreed. When Cat told EJ she was impressed with his empathy, he countered that he had been forgiven numerous times himself.

After Cat told EJ about her conversation with Jennifer, EJ asked if Jennifer had dropped her opposition to Cat and Chad as a couple. Cat confirmed that Jennifer was still opposed. With a relieved smile, EJ told Cat that she could have the afternoon off. EJ added that he planned to spend his afternoon in hypnotherapy with Marlena.

Making Progress

Xander had a session with Marlena | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Sarah told Marlena that she had to give bad news to a patient. Xander approached and made a snide comment about Brady. As Sarah stomped away, Marlena ushered Xander into her office, where she asked about his arm. Xander confessed that he had had aggressive sex with Kristen. Marlena asked about Gwen, but Xander said he was not in a relationship with Gwen. Marlena asked Xander if part of his draw to Kristen had been that she was Brady’s ex. Xander said no. Marlena asked Xander about his emotional response to the affair. “Terrible,” Xander admitted. Xander told Marlena that he had learned that a friend had been to blame for the Titan sabotage, and he had kept his emotions in check thanks to Marlena’s techniques.

“That is progress,” Marlena said. Xander told Marlena about Gwen’s push for an emotional attachment, but that he still only wanted to be with Sarah. Marlena noted that Xander’s insulting behavior toward Sarah would never endear him to his ex. Marlena reminded Xander that he had sought out therapy to become a better man for Victoria. Xander noted that he also wanted to be better for Sarah because she was the only woman he would ever love.

Leo barged into the office at the end of the session. After Xander left, Leo told Marlena about Javi’s resistance to even being friends with him. Leo admitted he had passed by Javi’s house and job. Marlena cautioned Leo not to stalk his ex, and Leo agreed.

Sad medical news

Sarah delivered sad news to Johnny and Chanel | Image: Peacock

Chanel packed up to move out of Abe’s home, despite Paulina’s objections. Chanel explained that her building had been cleared as safe, so she invited Paulina to move in with her. Paulina declined. Sarah called Chanel and asked to meet with her and Johnny to talk about the biopsy.

Before he dined with Cat in the square, EJ asked Johnny about Paulina, but Johnny refused to discuss Paulina’s personal life. When Johnny commented that the situation was the last thing that Chanel needed, EJ asked if something was wrong with the pregnancy. Johnny did not mention Chanel’s cancer concerns, but he did remind EJ that Chanel was enduring a high risk pregnancy. When EJ noted that Sophia’s actions had not helped the stress, Johnny reminded EJ that Sophia had been mentally unwell. Johnny argued that it was unhealthy to hold onto any anger and that EJ should be forgiving.

EJ told Johnny that Tony wanted to remove him as CEO. Johnny admitted that the news was not unexpected. EJ warned Johnny that Gabi was poised to take his legacy, because Tony was motivated by his hatred for EJ. Chanel texted Johnny, and he raced out to meet her.

At the hospital, Sarah confirmed that Chanel had an aggressive, malignant tumor, but that it was treatable. Sarah explained that the only viable treatment during pregnancy was surgery and chemotherapy. Chanel refused. Sarah argued that Chanel needed to be healthy for the baby’s sake, and Johnny agreed. After Sarah left, Johnny comforted Chanel, and he told her that she would be a good mother to their children for many years.

At the nurse's station, Xander apologized to Sarah. Sarah told Xander she did not believe him, and that his comments had been the last thing she needed to hear that day because she had to deliver bad news to a patient. Xander told Sarah that he wished he could help her feel better. “You can’t,” Sarah said.

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