Los Angeles, California — Teddi Mellencamp is sharing a candid and emotional account of her ongoing battle with stage four cancer, offering insight into the highs and lows of her journey. The reality star and podcast host, known for her time on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” revealed earlier this year that doctors discovered multiple tumors in her brain and lungs following a skin cancer diagnosis in 2022.
After enduring a grueling emergency brain surgery, the 43-year-old Mellencamp attended a fundraising gala last week, choosing to forgo a wig and openly displaying her head scars. This decision, she explained, reflects her fluctuating emotional state, as some days she feels empowered to embrace her appearance, while on others, she opts for the comfort of a wig.
In an Instagram post, Mellencamp shared her daily dilemma regarding her hair. “On crying days, I tend to pick the wig,” she wrote, underscoring the emotional toll of her treatment. Despite the challenges, she encouraged her followers to prioritize health check-ups, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Mellencamp highlighted the significance of May, which is melanoma awareness month, urging her audience to remind loved ones to schedule necessary screenings. Speaking at the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s annual gala, where she attended with friend Kyle Richards, she provided an update on her health: “The tumors have shrunk a bunch,” she said, crediting her immunotherapy with the positive results.
While attending the gala, Mellencamp wore a chic black suit and elegant silver heels, exuding resilience as she shared her journey. She addressed critics of her horseback riding, clarifying that her doctor had approved the activity, encouraging her to engage in what brings her joy.
Her children have been a source of strength during this challenging time. Mellencamp remarked on the love and humor they share, noting how deeply they support one another. “We all just try to be there for each other,” she said, reflecting on family moments that lift their spirits amidst adversity.
As she prepares for her next appointment, Mellencamp remains optimistic about her treatment plan. With just a few more sessions of immunotherapy ahead, she hopes to soon receive positive news confirming her path to recovery.
Mellencamp’s journey has not only been a fight for her health but also a call for awareness. Reflecting on her experience, she noted, “I walked around for months with tumors, unaware.” The public response has been heartening, as many have taken her advice and sought medical attention, highlighting the impact of her platform.
Though her diagnosis initially cast a shadow over her life, she maintains a hopeful outlook. “Everything gets better,” she asserted, reminding herself and her followers of the importance of self-care and vigilance in health matters.