Teddi Mellencamp Clarifies Cancer Status After Father’s Concern

Teddi Mellencamp has addressed concerns regarding her health after her father, musician John Mellencamp, described her as “really sick” during a recent podcast appearance. The former star of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” clarified that her cancer has not returned, despite her father’s alarming comments.

In a January 14 appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, John Mellencamp spoke candidly about his daughter’s ongoing health challenges, stating, “She’s got cancer in the brain, and she’s suffering right now.” His remarks led many to speculate about the state of Teddi’s health.

During a subsequent episode of her podcast, “Two Ts in a Pod,” alongside co-host Tamra Judge, Teddi emphasized that while she is still facing challenges, there is currently “no trace of cancer.” She explained, “I’m still considered stage four and I’m still in immunotherapy, so essentially nothing’s changed other than I still — I don’t feel great … I would hope that I would be feeling better by now, but I really don’t.”

As she continues her treatment, which involves immunotherapy, Teddi has also begun therapy to address emotional struggles stemming from her health issues. She shared that the psychological impact of her diagnosis, surgery, and personal life changes, including her divorce from estranged husband Edwin Arroyave, has taken a toll on her well-being.

Teddi explained, “I think all of those things are starting to finally hit me now. I started doing therapy, and so it’s taken its toll on me.” She expressed frustration with her physical limitations, stating, “I can see that I’m slower than I was before, and that’s really frustrating to me. Like I want to be back to the way I used to be.”

Despite the challenges, she remains focused on her recovery. The reality TV star initially revealed her stage 2 melanoma diagnosis in October 2022, which led to more than a dozen surgeries, including a critical procedure in 2025 to remove several tumors from her brain. Last October, she announced that her cancer, which had also spread to her lungs, was no longer detectable, but she is not yet considered to be in remission.

Teddi highlighted the importance of ongoing treatment, stating, “The way the [doctors] said it works, it’s like one year, then two years, then at three years you’re allowed to be considered … in remission.”

As she navigates this complex journey, Teddi has openly shared her fears about the possibility of cancer returning. “I have fear to do a lot of things,” she admitted, revealing her concerns about her health and future. Her candid discussions about both the physical and emotional aspects of her battle resonate with many who have faced similar challenges.

With her father’s public comments having sparked concern, Teddi Mellencamp’s clarification provides a more comprehensive view of her situation, showcasing her resilience and determination as she continues to confront her health challenges.