Teddi Mellencamp commemorated the first anniversary of her brain surgery with a heartfelt message on Instagram. The former star of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” shared her journey on social media, expressing both gratitude and reflection on a significant milestone in her life.
A year ago, Mellencamp entered the emergency room under the impression she was suffering from migraines. Within 24 hours, doctors discovered plum-sized stage 4 tumors on her brain, leading to an emergency surgery. In her Instagram post, she wrote, “I have a lot of anxiety surrounding today but also a lot of gratitude. Gratitude for the doctors and nurses who took care of me, gratitude for my family and friends for supporting me, and gratitude for all the love that you have poured into me.”
The post resonated with many, drawing supportive comments from fans and friends alike. Fellow “RHOBH” star Kyle Richards praised Mellencamp’s resilience, showcasing the bond within the reality television community.
Mellencamp’s health challenges began in October 2022 when she revealed her diagnosis of stage 2 melanoma. Since then, she has undergone more than a dozen surgeries, including the critical procedure in February 2025. In October 2025, she shared a positive update, stating that her stage 4 cancer was “gone,” but clarified that she is not yet considered “in remission.”
The journey has taken a toll on her mental health. Her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, noted that her ongoing battles with cancer and treatment have posed significant challenges. He described her “inner battle” as one of the toughest she has faced since her diagnosis.
In a candid discussion on her podcast, “Two Ts in a Pod,” Mellencamp emphasized the importance of mental health throughout her treatment. She expressed frustrations about not being able to process her emergency surgery properly, the impact on her ability to see her children, and the emotional strain from her divorce after 13 years of marriage. The couple shares three children: daughter Slate, 13, son Cruz, 11, and daughter Dove, 5.
Recently, while appearing on Page Six’s “Virtual Real-Tea,” Mellencamp provided an update on her mental well-being. She stated, “I think physically I’m in a good place… What we don’t often talk about when it comes to cancer is how you feel after all of the surgeries and all of the testing.” She acknowledged the challenges to her mental state, revealing that she has been actively seeking therapy to find peace and happiness amid her ongoing health struggles.
As she reflects on this past year, Mellencamp’s journey illustrates the complexities of battling cancer, encompassing both physical and emotional challenges. Her openness about her experiences resonates with many, inspiring others facing similar battles to prioritize their mental health and seek support.
