‘RHOBH’ Alum Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Her 50/50 Odds in Brain Cancer Fight
Teddi Mellencamp is bravely sharing her journey as she battles stage 4 melanoma, which has spread to her brain and lungs.
In a candid interview with ABC’s Nightline, the 43-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum opened up about her diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional toll it has taken on her and her family. “One of my favorite things to ask is, ‘How long I got?’ Or, ‘What are my chances?’ And they oftentimes say, ’50/50,’” she shared.
“I wouldn’t buy a car that’s only gonna drive 50 percent of the time. I don’t want this.”
Doctors explained to her that the figure is tied to the relatively new use of immunotherapy, which has only been around for about a decade. “[My doctor’s] like, ‘No, it’s only because that’s how long immunotherapy has been around, so that’s how long the study has worked,’” she said. “[But] I really like to have control, and this is completely out of my control, and for the first time, I’m like, really scared.”
Despite her fear, the 43-year-old mother of three is focusing on gratitude and the small victories. “Normally, I’m used to running seven miles; today, I’m barely walking one,” she said.
“But you know what? I’m here, and that makes me feel good. I can’t run, but I can go on a walk.”
In a video she filmed from a treadmill, Teddi got emotional while sharing a message with her Instagram followers: “I’m just trying to remember how grateful I am that I can move my body again.” Teddi’s health battle took a frightening turn when she was rushed to the hospital by her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, after losing her vision.
Doctors discovered four brain tumors, leading to emergency surgery. She woke to find her family and closest friends by her side, a moment that underscored the severity of her condition. Throughout her recovery, Kyle Richards stayed by her daily, and Edwin has been helping care for their children, especially during the tough nights.
Teddi is leaning on humor and family support to navigate the emotional toll of her cancer battle. She shared that laughter helps her cope, joking with her kids about memory lapses by blaming “the tumors” and finding comfort in her father’s tough-love humor.
“I called him. I’m like, ‘Dad, I’m bald today.’ And he’s like, ‘Well, it could be worse.’ I’m like, ‘How?’ ‘You could be dead,’” she recalled.
Despite keeping a lighthearted tone, Teddi admitted the hardest part has been adjusting to her new physical limitations and dealing with visible changes, like hair loss, saying, “I had a cry yesterday when this part went bald.”
Teddi admits her journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, with moments of strength and others filled with fear and difficulty. She stays motivated by setting a goal to compete in horse nationals alongside her daughter, sharing, “I wanted to have the opportunity to do it with her just in case this is my last chance.”
Through it all, Teddi remains determined to fight—while holding her loved ones a little closer and laughing whenever she can.
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Olivia Davis is a Staff Writer at All About The Tea. Olivia’s hobbies include binging Netflix series, and watching Housewives on Bravo. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in History.