Teddi Mellencamp opens up about health battle after brain tumor diagnosis

The reality star shared the news on Instagram, explaining that she was hospitalized after experiencing unbearable pain. "After a CT scan and MRI, doctors found multiple tumors on my brain, which they believe have been growing for at least six months," she wrote. Mellencamp underwent surgery on Wednesday to remove two of the tumors, while the remaining ones will be treated with radiation.

"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," she added.

A representative for Mellencamp declined to provide further details.

Mellencamp, daughter of musician John Mellencamp, was a cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for three seasons, from 2017 to 2020. She has maintained a close friendship with co-star Kyle Richards, who was among those at her hospital bedside. Richards even tried to keep the mood light, joking about Mellencamp’s emergency head shave: "Can I have your old extensions, Ted?" to which Mellencamp quipped back, "No, I already gave those out, sorry."

The reality star has been open about her ongoing health struggles, including her battle with melanoma. She previously revealed that she has undergone over 20 surgeries to remove cancerous spots from her back. Earlier this month, Mellencamp marked World Cancer Day by encouraging fans to schedule skin checks.

Despite the difficult diagnosis, Mellencamp remains in good spirits. In an Instagram story posted before surgery, she shared a video of a friend shaving her head. "Did not have this look on my bucket list. My best look!" she said. In another post, she counted down the minutes until she could see her children.

Mellencamp shares three kids—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 4—with ex-husband Edwin Arroyave. The couple announced their divorce in November after 13 years of marriage. She reflected on the challenging moment in a heartfelt message, sharing advice from her father: "As my dad said this a.m., God only gives hard stuff to those of us who can handle it."

Many fellow Real Housewives stars and friends sent their support, including her podcast cohost Tamra Judge, who urged fans to "keep Teddi in your prayers." Other Bravolebrities, such as Real Housewives of Miami’s Kiki Barth and Real Housewives of Orange County’s Emily Simpson, also left messages of encouragement.

Mellencamp remains hopeful, expressing gratitude for her doctors and supporters as she begins her recovery journey.