Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave Opens Up About Her Recent Health Scare (UPDATED)
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum is raising awareness about the importance of skin cancer screenings.
UPDATE (MARCH 23, 10:23 A.M.): After opening up about a skin check last week, Teddi shared in her Instagram Stories over the weekend that the mole she had removed was found to be melanoma. "Thank you for all of your kind messages and prayers. I was hoping to have more answers by today. I did find out that it was confirmed melanoma from the labs/doctors," she said. "However, I will not know what stage and what the next steps are until next week (hopefully Monday). Doing my best to remain positive and grateful."
In her message, Teddi also encouraged her followers to get their own regular checkups. "If you haven't had a skin check this year or ever! Go get one please," she said. "If you get anxious going to doctors [appointments] like me, I can assure you waiting does not help things."
A few days later on March 22, Teddi had good news to share about her melanoma diagnosis. "Got my results back and it’s good news: melanoma in situ which means the cancer cells were contained in that area of my skin and have not spread any deeper!" Teddi shared on Instagram. "I feel blessed and relieved but also grateful to have diligent friends and doctors to watch out for me."
She also opened up about what the next steps will be for future prevention. "I’ll now need to have 3-month checkups, while always making sure to wear sunscreen (a given, I know!) and protective clothing," Teddi wrote. "I really hope that in sharing all of this, I can encourage all of you to get your skin checked annually— if I hadn’t gone in, I don’t want to think about how it could have gone differently. Our skin is something a lot of us take for granted but not me anymore — and I hope not you either."
Teddi went on to express her gratitude to fans and her husband, Edwin Arroyave, for all of their kindness during this stressful time. "Such great news! Thank you for the support and prayers all," she shared in her Instagram Stories. "Love you [Edwin] - I know anxiety was a real treat for all parties involved."
The original story continues below.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave recently took to Instagram to share an update on her health and inspire others to monitor their well-being.
In an Instagram post on March 17, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum shared that she recently had a procedure performed in order to see if a mole on her skin could be cancerous. "On my way to work which is why I am all glammed up. However, this is a reminder to please go get your yearly skin checks," Teddi wrote in the post. "I had been avoiding mine [because] of my own anxiety for a very long time but when [Kyle Richards] saw my back and it had changed colors again, she immediately took me to the doc who within minutes said it looks like melanoma and did a big removal."
The Instagram post features a series of photos of Teddi, the first of which shows her with a bandage on her back, followed by a close-up of the area that's being examined, and a graphic image of her back post-removal.
Teddi also opened up about how she is feeling while she awaits her results. "I am doing my best to stay present and positive as I head to [film] today. Grateful that I am busy to keep my mind from racing as I await the results," she said. "I find strength in being honest with you all and hope this helps others. Please let this be a reminder to take action on your own skin."
Teddi received lots of love from the Bravo family in the comments section of her post, including Stephanie Hollman, Dorit Kemsley, Meghan King, Lala Kent, Margaret Josephs, and Tamra Judge, who has battled skin cancer in the past. "Love you friend," Tamra shared with her Two Ts In A Pod co-host in the comments. "You got this [heart emoji]."
Tamra and Kyle also helped Teddi take her mind off of things with a little get-together full of some much-needed laughs on St. Patrick's Day.
Braunwyn Windham-Burke, who has also had a long history with skin cancer, commented on Teddi's post, "So important [prayer hands emojis] sending healing vibes."
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum previously shared a photo on Instagram showing a scar from her own recent removal on March 6. "My cousin died when he was 36 of melanoma. F--k cancer, and get yourself checked, PLEASE. All of this from one little 'mole,'" she wrote. "Do yourself and your family a favor and book your appointment today. Embrace the scars that might come with it, but embrace the importance of your health and life as well."
Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.
