Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Her Stage 4 Cancer Battle and the Struggles of Writing a Will

Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Her Stage 4 Cancer Battle and the Struggles of Writing a Will

Teddi Mellencamp, former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has shared the heartbreaking news that her battle with skin cancer has advanced to Stage 4. The 42-year-old revealed that the melanoma, first diagnosed in 2022, had spread to her brain and lungs, requiring emergency surgery earlier this year. In a candid interview with Us Weekly, Mellencamp opened up about her ongoing fight, the toll it has taken on her, and the support she’s receiving from family and friends.

Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Her Stage 4 Cancer Battle and the Struggles of Writing a Will

In February, Teddi Mellencamp shocked fans when she announced that she had undergone emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered multiple tumors on her brain. She later clarified that the melanoma had metastasized, and two tumors were also found on her lungs. Since then, Mellencamp has been undergoing radiation and immunotherapy treatments, with her medical team planning to assess her condition on June 1.

Reflecting on the impact of her diagnosis, Mellencamp shared how she’s staying as positive as possible despite the difficult circumstances. “I want to try new things, travel more with the kids, keep building a life and doing the best that we can, and have fun together,” she said in the interview. “That’s my goal.” Still, the reality of the situation isn’t lost on her. “I have not said [my catchphrase] to them since I’ve been back [from the hospital]. They all know that I’m fighting the hardest I possibly can, but I haven’t said it because I don’t want to lie to them. And I don’t know.”

Despite the ongoing treatments and declining energy levels, Mellencamp has remained hopeful and committed to pushing through. “I’m listening to my body, but also staying active and doing things that I love because when I do too much laying [around], I get pretty sad,” she shared. “When I try to pretend I’m OK and resting, it’s hard for me.”

The Journey to Diagnosis and Treatment

Mellencamp described the initial signs that led her to seek medical help. “I was having migraines, and taking medication didn’t help. I was shaking and feeling crazy. Then one day, I was like, something is really wrong,” she explained. “I couldn’t see. Edwin took me to the emergency room in Tarzana; the pain had become something I’d never felt before. They diagnosed me with multiple brain tumors, but the [ER doctor] says he can’t take them out; they’ve got to get me into Cedars-Sinai [hospital].”

With help from RHOBH co-star Kyle Richards, Mellencamp was able to get into Cedars-Sinai within 24 hours. “Kyle saved the day,” she recalled. There, a skilled surgeon removed four tumors from her brain. Mellencamp was later diagnosed with a total of six brain tumors and two lung tumors, all stemming from the original melanoma diagnosis.

Now undergoing a rigorous combination of radiation and immunotherapy, Mellencamp noted the physical toll these treatments have had on her body. “I thought I was going to feel like how I felt after my neck lift,” she joked. “My reaction is always a headache, and I found out that’s good news because it means that the immunotherapy or the radiation is killing your cancer.”

Facing the Unknown and Finding Strength in Family

Mellencamp’s upcoming medical appointments on June 1 will provide more clarity about her future. “I find out for sure exactly where we stand on June 1. If you need to do another round, if there’s any other surgery, if it’s the end. It’s a hard pill to swallow,” she explained.

The emotional weight of her situation is heavy, and she’s had to confront difficult realities. “Well, a little PSA: Get life insurance early… and do your will. Doing all of those things once you’ve already been diagnosed with cancer isn’t a dream. That’s really hard.”

Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Her Stage 4 Cancer Battle and the Struggles of Writing a Will

Despite the difficult moments, Mellencamp is focused on staying present for her children and cherishing the time she has with them. “I’m paying for therapy,” she laughed. “I’m not equipped to fully handle this… It is helping because they ask me questions that I probably wouldn’t have thought to give them answers to.”

She continued, “I can’t imagine my life without them, so I’m going to do everything I possibly can, no matter how mean it makes me. [Laughs] I can’t imagine any of them living without me.”

A Shift in Relationships: Healing with Edwin

One of the more surprising elements of Mellencamp’s journey has been the improvement in her relationship with her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave. The couple, who had been in the midst of a divorce, has put their differences aside to support each other through this challenging time. “If any part of this was for a reason, the second that I got sick, he completely changed. It’s a silver lining,” Mellencamp reflected. “He’s been there for me a hundred percent, he’s been there for the kids, and we’re back to laughing.”

Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Her Stage 4 Cancer Battle and the Struggles of Writing a Will

Mellencamp’s battle with cancer has also led to a shift in the way she’s looking at life—and her relationships. “We call it the ‘Divorce Chronicles,'” she said, with a chuckle. “And I want to talk [to him] about the kind of girls [he’s] going to marry… because if these people are going to take care of my kids, this is what I want, and this is the definition of what I don’t want.”

As her treatment continues, Mellencamp remains determined to fight for her life and keep her family close. Despite the uncertainty, she’s found strength in humor and the unwavering support of those who love her.

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14 comments

Cin April 4, 2025 - 12:56 pm
I wish and hope for the best.
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark April 3, 2025 - 2:35 pm
"With help from RHOBH co-star Kyle Richards, Mellencamp was able to get into Cedars-Sinai within 24 hours." Teddi has been repeating this mantra since her announcement ... what is Cedars-Sanai some kind of invitation-only kind of club or a fcking hospital? Also, with a name like Arroyave' (let alone "Mellencamp"), I'm having a hard time believing that she would be having a hard time getting treatment anywhere, especially in CA.
michers April 3, 2025 - 3:50 pm
I think but not sure Kyle does charities for this hospital and maybe other things ? Don’t quote me . There are probably wait lists that patients don’t have time for , sadly
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark April 3, 2025 - 7:56 pm
I know Kyle's many philanthropic endeavors include "First Families" of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, so she probably has pull with Cedars. But again, since when are hospitals about rank and status, let alone blatant preferential treatment?
michers April 5, 2025 - 4:56 pm
Sadly I think hospitals / medical care has become that way .its actually disgusting what’s happening in medical facilities around states everywhere , so yes I do believe Ms Richards probably has some kind of pull due to her charity work and financial contributions maybe ?
Steve April 4, 2025 - 3:15 pm
Cedars is well-known for its treatment of celbrities and the pseudo-famous. Being treated there can be seen as a badge of status. But, of all the hospitals in the LA area, while Cedars is very good, it is not the best for treating cancer. It is certainly not where I would go if I had her diagnosis.
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark April 4, 2025 - 4:54 pm
Thx for the info ... for me, Cedars was has always been more known more for their connection to the "stars", which goes all the way back to the golden age of Hollywood. It's where the real stars would go for "treatment".
Champagne Hangover April 3, 2025 - 10:58 am
Man oh man! This is one tough as nails chick and I gotta respect that cuz I would fold like a cheap suit under those grim circumstances! And despite all that she may have done or said in the past, finding the will and sheer determination to leave her children with an abundance of joyful memories? THAT right there exonerates her ? in my book! Nothing but respect for that. ?
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark April 3, 2025 - 3:09 pm
I'm glad you brought this up ... I'd like to go deep for a moment if I may. Being one of my besties, I feel like I can:-) First of all, you wouldn't fold, because like all living creatures we as humans are born with innate/involuntary wills to live (even more so when you're young and healthy). Not to take anything away from Teddi or anyone else who is faced with a health crises, but I guess I just always take umbrage with the non-stop "fighting" and "courageous" verbiage that is often used. Like is Teddi supposed to be hailed as a heroine because she wants to live and isn't refusing treatment? It's a biological fact that the body naturally "fights" (or it doesn't) ... we used to call it "having a strong constitution". When I was hit with a heart attack (not much older than Teddi) I just don't recall having to weigh the situation, and making a conscious decision to choose life over death, especially when I was gasping for breath and weaving in and out of consciousness, that's all.
Champagne Hangover April 3, 2025 - 6:33 pm
Lol. Awww. Cats really are amazing animals but I’m not entirely unconvinced that they’re not just tiny humans in fur costumes scamming us into willing enslavement. ? Prove me wrong…???
Zap It April 3, 2025 - 10:23 am
I hope June 1st goes well. ???
holy cannoli April 3, 2025 - 10:05 am
Whoa..??
RyNy83 April 3, 2025 - 8:32 am
This is absolutely heart breaking.
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