Teddi Mellencamp has shared a reflective update on her cancer battle, admitting she “cried” when she first saw her scars from surgery.
The former cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, aged 43, took to her Instagram account on Monday, April 28, to share images displaying the scars from her surgery and the regrowth of her hair. In the post, she added a sincere and introspective caption.
“It has been 76 days since I was rushed to the ER due to excruciating headaches, only to discover that I had multiple stage 4 tumors ‘the size of plums’ in my brain and lungs. Melanoma had spread there without our knowledge, possibly present for ‘6 months to a year’ without any signs,” she revealed.
Reflecting on her journey, she continued, “Since that fateful day, I underwent several surgeries, experienced bursts of anger due to the steroids, battled sickness, shared laughter, went horseback riding, showered my kids with love, and overall, felt remarkably well. Initially, as I gazed at the photo showing the scars on my head and arm, tears welled up in my eyes. But then, a comforting warmth enveloped me, filling me with profound peace. This peace stemmed from the unwavering support I received from my loved ones and friends, from the overwhelming love and encouragement poured out by all of you here. It reassured me that my story could potentially make a difference and even save someone’s life.”
Mellencamp then concluded the post by sending well wishes to anyone else struggling with a similar health battle.
“Sending love to anyone struggling and reminding you if something isn’t feeling right to go get checked. Advocate for yourself,” she wrote, adding, “We have got this. 💕”
Mellencamp publicly shared news of her brain tumor discovery via an Instagram post in February. She revealed that she had been suffering from “severe and debilitating headaches” for weeks, and one day earlier, “the pain was unbearable and required hospitalization.”
After getting a CT scan and an MRI, Mellencamp explained that “doctors found multiple tumors on my brain, which they believe have been growing for at least six months.”
Mellencamp added that two of the tumors would be “surgically removed” that day, while the “remaining smaller tumors will be dealt with via radiation at a later date.”
After undergoing surgery, Mellencamp shared several weeks later that five more tumors had been found.
“Update from my scans today: I have 3 more tumors in my brain and 2 tumors on my lungs. These are all a direct result of my melanoma,” she wrote via an Instagram post on March 6.
Mellencamp explained at the time that she will be attempting to have these removed, and was feeling optimistic about the outcome.
“I’m fighting for my life,” she exclusively told Us Weekly in April, adding, “But also for my family’s life and all the people I love.”
