Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave Shares a Heartbreaking Update on Her Skin Cancer Battle
The RHOBH alum confirmed she will undergo surgery to remove another melanoma.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave has issued another sobering health update.
In the 18 months since she was first diagnosed with skin cancer, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum has received about a dozen more melanoma diagnoses, the latest of which was confirmed in September.
What's more, she took to Instagram in early October to share an additional update that she admittedly "didn't want to give."
Read on for details.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave's New Melanoma
Back in September, Teddi opened up in an emotional Instagram post that included a teary-eyed selfie as well as a photo of the surgical and melanoma scars on her upper back. The former ’Wife, who had another skin cancer scare back in May, said she was initially hesitant to share the update, but decided to be transparent in the interest of others.
“I remember how every time I post about skin cancer someone else is reminded to get checked,” she explained in a September 13 Instagram post. “I found out late yesterday afternoon that the most recent spot biopsied is another melanoma. I can’t even remember if this is the 12th or 13th one. At this point, I am starting to black-out these memories like a portion of my childhood.”
Teddi was understandably overwhelmed with emotions and admitted to getting only two hours of sleep because her mind wouldn’t stop “racing.” Although the diagnosis left her scared and uncertain, Teddi said she was grateful for her three-month checkups, as her latest melanoma was discovered relatively early.
The podcast host then confirmed she would undergo additional biopsies and another surgery, but was trying to remain optimistic in the meantime.
“As I lay here with tears in my eyes and worry, I know my kids will be up soon. I have a podcast at 10. Life goes on,” she said. “I am also reminded of my faith and the reminder I keep telling myself, ‘We can do hard things.’ We have so many beautiful things to look forward to, so if you woke up today feeling lost or scared, I encourage you to make a list of some of the things you are truly grateful for and what you are most excited about.”
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave's Skin Cancer Treatment Plan
Despite Teddi's September update, she took to Instagram at the beginning of October with some upsetting news regarding her plans to undergo surgery.
"Another update I didn’t want to give but in an effort to be fully transparent and help others, here goes..." Teddi's caption began. "I received the call yesterday from my doctor that not all the margins are clear after my last wide excision surgery. Because the area is so broad they no longer feel comfortable cutting. They said I can wait a week so I can show at nationals but upon my return I will start on a 5-week immunotherapy cream."
She went on to note the apparent side effects of the cream, but ultimately concluded, "ya know what, it’s better than the alternative."
"Stay vigilant on getting your skin checked my friends," she added. "We can fight this."
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave's Search for Answers Amid Her Skin Cancer Journey
Shortly after the update, Teddi uploaded an Instagram Story in which she thanked fans for all their support and explained her commitment to defeating skin cancer for good.
“I just wanted to say thank you, guys, for all your messages,” she said in the September 13 post. “There’s been a lot of questions if I’ve had genetic testing done — I have. And nothing came back. I don’t have any markers for the BRCA gene or any other genetic disorder that could be causing all these melanomas. I’ve also had all these scans. I’ve had the Prenuvo scan, I’ve also had the CT scan… There’s really no answers at this point. Of course, we’re doing everything we can to figure why — this has become a clinical case study — why there’s so many, especially in one area… But yes, we are on top of it.”
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.
Originally published Sep 16, 2023.
