At a Glance
- Teddi Mellencamp’s melanoma has advanced to stage 4 after brain and lung tumors were discovered
- She has undergone 17 melanoma removals since 2022 and now faces a 50-50 survival chance
- The Real Housewives star briefly halted immunotherapy due to severe side effects
- Why it matters: Her public battle highlights the dangers of delayed skin cancer screenings and the aggressive nature of metastatic melanoma
Teddi Mellencamp’s melanoma journey has taken a devastating turn. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, who initially delayed her skin cancer screening for years due to anxiety, now faces stage 4 cancer after tumors spread to her brain and lungs.
The 42-year-old reality star’s battle began in 2022 when costar Kyle Richards insisted she finally get checked. Doctors removed a large spot from her back, leading to a stage 2 melanoma diagnosis that October.
“I so badly wanted to blow this off,” Mellencamp wrote on Instagram, admitting she spent her teen years using baby oil and iodine for tanning while avoiding sunscreen entirely until age 40.
From Stage 2 to Stage 4
What started as a single abnormal mole has escalated into a life-threatening fight. Since her initial diagnosis, Mellencamp has undergone 17 melanoma removals through 20 different surgeries.
The progression was swift and brutal:
- February 2025: Severe headaches led to scans revealing multiple brain tumors
- Post-surgery: Four tumors were removed, but scans found three more brain tumors plus two lung tumors
- April 2025: Cancer officially classified as stage 4
- July 2025: Revealed 50-50 survival odds
“I kinda thought that I had already beaten it,” she shared on Instagram Stories. “And then a couple days later, I found out I had four more tumors.”
The Immunotherapy Struggle
The treatment regimen has taken a devastating toll. In July 2025, Mellencamp announced she had to pause immunotherapy after experiencing intense side effects.
“Essentially, I haven’t been feeling good for about a month,” she explained on her podcast. “I could barely open my eyes or keep my words straight.”
Her medical team decided to take “a little break” from the treatment to help her body recover strength.
Family Impact
The cancer’s toll extends beyond physical symptoms. John Mellencamp provided a raw update during his January 2026 podcast appearance: “She’s got cancer in the brain, and she’s suffering right now.”
The family has even begun difficult end-of-life planning. Teddi revealed her father called about burial arrangements in their Indiana family mausoleum, telling her to include the decision in her will since she was “doing your will right now.”
Public Advocacy
Despite the grim prognosis, Mellencamp continues using her platform to advocate for skin cancer awareness. She regularly shares graphic photos of her surgical scars and treatment updates with her Instagram followers.
“I continue to share this journey because I was a 90s teen,” she wrote, hoping to prevent others from repeating her tanning mistakes.
Her doctors determined she’s genetically predisposed to developing melanomas, making regular monitoring crucial going forward.
Looking Forward
While facing uncertain odds, Mellencamp maintains hope. “I truly believe that I’m gonna live,” she said through tears. “I need to believe it. ‘Cause if not, it’s just too sad.”
She’s focusing on future goals for herself and her three children while learning to “listen to my body” throughout treatment.
The reality star’s journey serves as a stark reminder of melanoma’s aggressive nature when left unchecked, emphasizing the critical importance of regular skin cancer screenings.
