Teddi Mellencamp revealed a devastating health update on Wednesday and shared ‘multiple tumors’ were found on her brain – resulting in her needing emergency surgery.
The TV personality, 43, has been battling skin cancer since her diagnosis in 2022 and has kept her fans up-to-date with the journey on social media.
After undergoing nearly 20 surgeries in the span of almost three years, the RHOBH star broke down in tears late last year in December as she expressed she finally got good news and would need to undergo another biopsy.
However, on Wednesday Mellencamp explained that had been suffering from ‘severe and debilitating headaches’ for weeks – which landed her in the hospital.
Two tumors will be surgically removed while the remaining ones ‘will be dealt’ through radiation afterwards.
Following Teddi’s health update, DailyMail.com takes a look at the reality star’s candid years-long battle with melanoma.
Teddi Mellencamp, 43, revealed a devastating health update on Wednesday and shared ‘multiple tumors’ were found on her brain – resulting in her needing emergency surgery; seen in 2024 in L.A.
October 2022 – Teddi reveals stage II melanoma diagnosis
In October 2022, Mellencamp took to her Instagram account in order to reveal that she was diagnosed with stage II melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
At the time, she uploaded a photo of her bandaged shoulder where the biopsy had taken place and called the shock diagnosis as a ‘wake-up call’
In October 2022, Mellencamp took to her Instagram account in order to reveal that she was diagnosed with stage II melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
At the time, she uploaded a photo of her bandaged shoulder where the biopsy had taken place and called the shock diagnosis as a ‘wake-up call.’
‘Melanoma awareness update. Despite my anxiety, I listened to the doctors and went in for my 3-month skin check last week since my previous melanoma.’
‘They said I had another abnormal spot near my last one so they did a biopsy. I got the call this morning: Stage 2 melanoma. Now, next Wednesday I go to an oncologist to have it cut out and come up with a game plan on next steps.’
The mother-of-three added, ‘Of course, this is all pending some additional testing and biopsies of other spots nearby that were taken today.’
‘Moral of this story: if a doctor says, “come in every 3 months” please go in every 3 months,’ Teddi encouraged her followers. ‘I so badly wanted to blow this off. “What could happen in 3 months?” I thought. Apparently a lot.’
‘I continue to share this journey because I was a 90s teen, putting baby oil and iodine on my skin to tan it.’
She continued, ‘Never wearing sunscreen or getting my moles checked until I was 40 years old. This has been such a wakeup call for me, and I hope to all of you, to love and protect the skin you’re in.’
In March of that year, she gave a special shout out to her close pal and RHOBH star Kyle Richards for noticing spots on her back.
‘She immediately took me to the doc who within minutes said it looks like melanoma and did a big removal…,’ Teddi recalled.
October 2022: Scan update
Later that same month, the star gave an additional update following a PET (positron emission tomography) scan to gather 3D images of the inside of her body; seen in December 2024 in L.A.
Later that same month, the star gave an additional update following a PET (positron emission tomography) scan to gather 3D images of the inside of her body.
‘Post PET scan update: looking at PET scans and they think I’m predisposed to melanomas,’ Teddi explained. ‘I will need wide encision surgery removal and nodal mapping.’
‘During the surgery they will also do a sentinel lymphnoid biopsy. Because with a PET scan they can’t see if it’s spread to lymph nodes. I am getting 2 more biopsies of new locations today and surgery is on Tuesday.’
She also shared a photo of her shoulder to reveal which spots have been removed and others that would be removed at a later date.
Two specific spots ‘near my shoulder are the ones they are concerned could go to lymph nodes and will be a large connected removal.’
‘Then will meet with a geneticist to see if I could possibly have the BRCA2 mutation. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support Please go get checked.’
December 2022 – Successful surgeries
Two months after revealing her stage II melanoma diagnosis, Mellencamp gave a positive update and shared that her recent surgeries at the time ‘were successful’
She added, ‘It’s been eye-opening how quickly things can change and it’s a lesson I will never forget, nor quit speaking up about’
Two months after revealing her stage II melanoma diagnosis, Mellencamp gave a positive update and shared that her recent surgeries at the time ‘were successful.’
Alongside a photo that showed off multiple scars on her upper back and shoulder, Teddi wrote, ‘The margins are clear. I also got genetic testing results and there are no mutations we need to worry about.’
‘And I just had a healthy mammogram (please don’t forgo these either, ladies). So I say peace out to 11 melanomas and 3 lymph nodes – I gladly hardly knew ya – and hello to a new sense of peace.’
She added, ‘It’s been eye-opening how quickly things can change and it’s a lesson I will never forget, nor quit speaking up about.’
‘I want nothing more than for all of you to be proactive so you do not have to experience this. Let my scars be your inspiration to get preventative care.’
January 2023: New spots and bump on neck
Teddi expressed weeks later that after undergoing her 4-6 week checkup, ‘there were three new spots my doctors felt needed to be biopsied’
She also explained, ‘Also, recently I felt a bump on my neck. My anxiety, of course, took over. I touched it at least 303 times’
Teddi expressed weeks later that after undergoing her 4-6 week checkup, ‘there were three new spots my doctors felt needed to be biopsied.’
‘I’m getting a lot of questions about the spots being white. I have had both white and brown melanomas; this is why I continue to share to get checked no matter what.’
She also explained, ‘Also, recently I felt a bump on my neck. My anxiety, of course, took over. I touched it at least 303 times. However, day of appointment, I assumed it was nothing. And then the ultrasound came back irregular.’
‘I had the option of a needle biopsy or getting it cut out completely; the doctor recommended the biopsy to start, however there’s a small chance it’ll come back inconclusive and we will then have to remove it.’
‘As someone who is a controlled person, I’m dealing as best I can with something out of my control,’ Teddi candidly admitted. ‘Things I can control: staying on top of my appointments, self-checks, and asking my doctors questions.’
‘I’m trying my best to stay positive and will fill you in when I get the results. If this saves even one person from going through what I’m going through, it’s worth it.’
September 2023 – New melanoma diagnosis
Later in 2023, Teddi gave a devastating update and revealed that she was once again diagnosed with melanoma
Alongside a teary-eyed selfie, the reality star explained, ‘I found out late yesterday afternoon that the most recent spot biopsied is another melanoma. I can’t even remember if this is the 12th or 13th one’
Later in 2023, Teddi gave a devastating update and revealed that she was once again diagnosed with melanoma.
Alongside a teary-eyed selfie, the reality star explained, ‘I found out late yesterday afternoon that the most recent spot biopsied is another melanoma. I can’t even remember if this is the 12th or 13th one.’
‘At this point, I am starting to black-out these memories like a portion of my childhood. I slept maybe 2 hours last night because my mind was racing.’
She positively noted, ‘I am so grateful for my 3-month checkup because we caught this one early. This means another surgery next week and additional biopsies.’
‘As I lay here with tears in my eyes and worry, I know my kids will be up soon. I have a podcast at 10. Life goes on.’
‘I am also reminded of my faith and the remainder I keep telling myself, “We can do hard things.” We have so many beautiful things to look forward to.’
‘So if you woke up today feeling lost or scared, I encourage you to make a list of some of the things you are truly grateful for and what you are most excited about,’ she added.
‘I am posting this to hold myself accountable to doing the same. Off to get my notepad and [pen emoji]. We have got this. Love to you all. We are not alone.’
September 2023 – Undergoing immunotherapy
Mellencamp soon gave another update and said doctors felt that an excision area is too ‘broad’ and doctors did not recommend cutting and instead she undergo immunotherapy
‘Because the area is so broad they no longer feel comfortable cutting. They said I can wait a week so I can show at nationals but upon my return I will start on a 5-week immunotherapy cream,’ she added
Mellencamp soon gave another update and said doctors felt that an excision area was too ‘broad’ and doctors did not recommend cutting and instead should undergo immunotherapy.
‘Another update I didn’t want to give but in an effort to be fully transparent and help others, here goes… I received the call yesterday from my doctor that not all the margins are clear after my last wide excision surgery.’
‘Because the area is so broad they no longer feel comfortable cutting. They said I can wait a week so I can show at nationals but upon my return I will start on a 5-week immunotherapy cream.’
She then explained that, ‘”Immunotherapy is an anti-cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. An immunotherapy cream called imiquimod (Aldara®) is a cream that stimulates the immune system.”‘
‘Side effects include: fatigue, inflammation, blisters and some pain but ya know what, it’s better than the alternative.’
Teddi added, ‘Stay vigilant on getting your skin checked my friends. We can fight this.’
October 2023 – Immunotherapy not working
After trying the immunotherapy cream for almost two weeks, Teddi took to Instagram and penned, ”Melanoma Immunotherapy Update: It’s been 12 days since I started the immunotherapy cream on my shoulder, and sadly it has not blistered yet’
‘Blisters = it’s working,’ she wrote, adding that her doctors were ‘upping the dosage in the hopes that kicks it into gear’
After trying the immunotherapy cream for almost two weeks, Teddi took to Instagram and penned, ”Melanoma Immunotherapy Update: It’s been 12 days since I started the immunotherapy cream on my shoulder, and sadly it has not blistered yet.’
‘Blisters = it’s working,’ she wrote, adding that her doctors were ‘upping the dosage in the hopes that kicks it into gear.’
‘Otherwise, we are going to have to take next steps – which is a full skin graft of my shoulder, taking the skin from my lower abdomen. Let’s just say I have never prayed so hard for some blisters.’
‘As always, thank you for your love, support and sharing your own stories. This all gives me the strength to push through and continue to share mine.’
A few months later in December 2023, she emotionally revealed that the immunotherapy was unsuccessful – even after upping the dosage.
‘It was not successful. So I have two different options. I can either do a big skin graft from my belly or arm, but it’s a very long recovery.’
‘Or I can go in and get another wide excision surgery on December 26 [to remove a larger portion of problematic area]. And they’ll have a plastic surgeon come too because it’s such a big area.’
She added, ‘And then just keep getting my checks every three months. So that’s where we are. Get your skin checked, folks!’
The star eventually chose to go for the second option to have the wide excision surgery.
December 2023 – Teddi has ‘biggest surgery in her Melanoma journey’
Teddi underwent an important procedure and told her fans on Instagram, ‘Surgery went well!’
Days later, Teddi showed a large scar on her back following the surgery
Teddi underwent an important procedure and told her fans on Instagram, ‘Surgery went well! I specifically went through a “wide excision melanoma, soft tissue defect reconstruction with adjacent tissue rearrangement.”‘
She also wrote, ‘But the pain and discomfort are all worth it.’
‘The outpouring of love and prayers in the comments and DMs has left me speechless (which is tough). I wish I could respond to everyone but please know I am forever grateful.’
The star added, ‘Please get your skin checked. I promise you do not want to go through this.’
In a separate clip, Mellencamp said on her Instagram stories: ‘I’m out of surgery. Now I’m just waiting to be discharged to the nursing facility.’
‘It’s pretty painful but I am so grateful that they did such a great job. Whew, that back skin is tight…struggle bus, but I’m hoping they got it all.’
Days later, Teddi showed a large scar on her back following the surgery.
In the image, the star turned her back towards the camera to reveal a zigzag-shaped scar on the right side.
And in the caption, the TV personality penned to her 1 million followers, ‘Someone just messaged me that my scar looks like a whale swallowing bubbles. It made me laugh.’
She continued, ‘I am not very artistic so I see a just see a “Z” – what do you see?* *funnyresponsesonly. #skincancerawareness @curemelanoma.’
March 2024 – Healing after surgery
After the procedure, she updated her fans three months later to show the vast difference of how her large scar had healed
‘What a difference 3 months can make! My scar is healing nicely, and I have the best doctors to thank,’ she wrote
After the procedure, she updated her fans three months later to show the vast difference of how her large scar had healed.
‘What a difference 3 months can make! My scar is healing nicely, and I have the best doctors to thank.’
‘But in all transparency, also during my three-month checkup, there was one abnormal spot the doctor felt we should biopsy.’
She added, ‘It’s on the other side of my body, so praying it’s nothing. But felt it’s a great time to remind you to get those skin checks.’
July 2024 – Preparing for 16th removal of melanoma
Teddi took to her Instagram page to share graphic photos following melanoma surgery as she prepared to undergo her 16th procedure to remove the disease
Teddi took to her Instagram page to share graphic photos following melanoma surgery as she prepared to undergo her 16th procedure to remove the disease.
‘Thank you to everyone for all the love and support. To answer your main question: My next surgery is August 19th.’
The star added, ‘This is #16, I think, and I keep fighting it so I am feeling more positive than a week ago.’
She also got candid about how the ‘the ups and downs of not being able to control what’s going on inside my own body’ was challenging.
‘August 19th will be here in no time; in the meantime I will be loving on my kids, getting to see my dad in concert with a bunch of friends, going to some incredible horse shows, and podcasting with some amazing women. I am blessed.’
December 2024 – Positive update
Late last year in December, Teddi positively revealed good news and shared she did not need to undergo another biopsy
Late last year in December, Teddi positively revealed good news and shared she did not need to undergo another biopsy.
While sitting inside her car, the star said, ‘I just had a little cry, but it’s a good one.’
‘It’s the first time in over two years I’ve gone in for my three-month check and not had to have a biopsy because I have another cancerous spot.’
She reflected how it had been ‘such a good feeling’ and revealed both she and her doctor looked at each other in shock upon discovering the news.
‘I’ll go back in March, stay diligent with my checks, and this should be a reminder to all of you guys, please, please, book your skin checks, book your mammograms, book your OB/GYN appointments, book your eye doctor appointments.’
In the caption, she also penned, ‘Going in for my continual three-month skin checks is never easy.’
‘The anxiety always takes over; the thought of another biopsy, another surgery, another addition to the scar on my back.’
‘And I always end up crying. But today the tears were those of joy. Because for the first time there wasn’t anything abnormal, nothing that needed an extra look. And I am grateful.’
She continued, ‘I’m grateful for my doctors, nurses, family, friends, and all of you for your continual support. As long as you’re here, I have a reason to keep advocating for myself and for others.’
‘And if you need to get your skin checked but have yet to make an appointment… what are you waiting for?’
February 2025 – Brain tumor diagnosis
On Wednesday, Teddi took to Instagram to reveal that multiple brain tumors have been found after she was suffering from severe headaches for weeks
In another image, Teddi could be seen laying in a hospital bed and shared, ‘Counting down the minutes until my babies get here’
In another post, a friend of Teddi’s could be seen shaving her head and the star wrote in the caption, ‘All I need now is an umbrella’
On Wednesday, Teddi took to Instagram to reveal that multiple brain tumors have been found after she was suffering from severe headaches for weeks.
In a statement, she wrote: ‘For the last several weeks I’ve been dealing with severe and debilitating headaches. Yesterday the pain was unbearable and required hospitalization.’
‘After a CT scan and MRI, doctors found multiple tumors on my brain, which they believe have been growing for at least 6 months.’
‘Two of the tumors will be surgically removed today – The remaining smaller tumors will be dealt with via radiation at a later date.’
She added, ‘I am blessed to be surrounded by my children, family, friends, doctors, nurses and surgeons who are doing everything possible to get me back into better health.’
‘Thank you to everybody who has reached out, and to everyone who has supported me along this journey.’
In another image, Teddi could be seen laying in a hospital bed and shared, ‘Counting down the minutes until my babies get here.’
‘As my dad said this am, god only gives hard stuff to those of us who can handle it. It’s a hard day but I have faith and amazing surgeons and know everything will be ok.’
In another post, a friend of Teddi’s could be seen shaving her head and the star wrote in the caption, ‘All I need now is an umbrella.’