Roxanne 
Jeana Keough is facing a difficult health battle.
The Real Housewives of Orange County original cast member has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a GoFundMe shared by her daughter, Kara Keough.
Jeana has not personally posted about the diagnosis on social media, but Kara shared an emotional update explaining how her mom first discovered something was wrong after dealing with a painful spot on her tongue for nearly a year.
“A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year.”
Kara explained that Jeana eventually underwent surgery to remove the cancer. However, she later needed a second surgery to remove some lymph nodes.
Jeana has also been undergoing chemotherapy, which Kara says has been incredibly difficult on her mother.
“She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished because the pain in her tongue and throat makes swallowing even the smallest bites or sips incredibly difficult,” Kara wrote.
Kara added that “every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment.”
The GoFundMe was originally created with a $22,000 goal. As of July 19, the fundraiser has raised $35,217, and the goal has since been increased to $50,000.
Jeana was one of the original stars of The Real Housewives of Orange County when the show premiered in 2006. Her family, including her daughter Kara, was heavily featured during the early years of the series, making this update especially emotional for longtime RHOC fans.
Jeana helped launch the franchise that eventually became the entire Real Housewives universe, giving viewers a look inside her family life, real estate career and friendships in Orange County.
While Jeana has not publicly addressed the diagnosis herself, Kara’s update makes it clear that the family is focused on helping her through treatment and making sure she gets the nutrition, hydration and support she needs.
Our thoughts are with Jeana and the Keough family as she continues her cancer treatment.
