Former reality TV star Teddi Mellencamp revealed that her skin cancer has reached Stage 4 after doctors found tumors on her lungs and brain that required surgical intervention this year. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member has faced an incredibly challenging health journey since early 2025, when severe headaches led to a devastating discovery.
The 43-year-old daughter of singer John Mellencamp first shared her frightening diagnosis in February 2025. Mellencamp had announced on Instagram on Feb. 12 that she had experienced “severe and debilitating headaches” for weeks and ultimately landed her in the hospital, where doctors found multiple tumors on her brain.
Emergency Surgery Removes Four Brain Tumors
What began as planned surgery to remove two tumors quickly became more complex. After her brain surgery, on February 26, Mellencamp revealed that “in full transparency, more tumors were removed than expected: 4 in total.” The reality star underwent emergency brain surgery, with her family sharing emotional updates throughout the ordeal.
The former ‘RHOBH’ star underwent emergency surgery to remove two brain tumors and her sister Justice says it’s “horrific” to see her suffer through the pain. Following the procedure, Mellencamp required staples in her scalp and prepared for radiation treatment as part of her ongoing care plan.
Cancer Metastases Beyond the Brain
The situation became even more serious when post-surgery scans revealed additional complications. The reality star, 43, revealed on Instagram that a recent scan found she has “multiple tumors” in her brain that “weren’t able to be removed via surgery.” The cancer had also spread to her lungs, creating a more challenging treatment scenario.
She had surgery to remove four brain tumors; however, some of them could not be removed. Doctors also found two tumors in her lungs, according to Mellencamp. This development marked the progression of her melanoma from its original 2022 diagnosis to stage 4 cancer.
Ongoing Treatment and Family Support
Despite the overwhelming diagnosis, Mellencamp remains hopeful about her treatment options. Her medical team has developed a comprehensive approach that includes immunotherapy to address the tumors that couldn’t be surgically removed. “The doctors are hopeful that immunotherapy will effectively treat them,” she wrote via Instagram.
The reality star has been open about the emotional toll of her diagnosis. Telling the outlet that she’s discovered four more tumors on her brain, Teddi — who is fighting a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, which has metastasized to her lungs and brain — said this is by far the “hardest” thing she’s faced in her life.
Throughout her battle, Mellencamp has received unwavering support from her family, including her estranged husband Edwin Arroyave and their four children. Mellencamp shares three children and a stepchild with Edwin Arroyave, from whom she announced her separation in November. The day after Mellencamp’s post, Arroyave shared an update on her surgery
Recovery and Resilience
After spending weeks in the hospital, Teddi Mellencamp is home! The ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ alum confirmed she’s been released from the hospital in early March 2025. Her recovery process has included radiation treatment and ongoing monitoring of her condition.
The Teddi Mellencamp brain tumor diagnosis represents a significant challenge in her ongoing fight against melanoma. Originally diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022, her journey demonstrates the importance of regular medical monitoring and the unpredictable nature of cancer progression.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, who was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, revealed that she had multiple brain tumors in February 2025. Her courage in sharing her story publicly has provided awareness about melanoma’s potential to metastasize and the importance of early detection.
As Mellencamp continues her treatment journey, her openness about the challenges she faces offers hope and inspiration to others battling similar diagnoses. Her story serves as a powerful reminder about the strength found in family support and medical care during life’s most difficult chapters.
What aspects of Teddi Mellencamp’s health journey have impacted you most, and how important do you think public awareness is in cancer battles like hers?