Teddi Mellencamp, former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, recently shared encouraging news regarding her ongoing battle with melanoma. After undergoing 17 surgeries to remove cancerous growths, Mellencamp revealed she had a clean skin check, marking the first time in over two years she didn’t require a biopsy for a new cancer spot.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, the 43-year-old TV personality expressed her emotional relief, stating she “had a little cry” after receiving the good news from her doctor. Mellencamp described the moment of shared disbelief with her physician, highlighting the significance of this positive development. While she will continue her routine three-month skin checks, the absence of new cancerous spots offers a moment of respite and celebration.
Mellencamp’s journey with melanoma began in 2022 with a stage 2 diagnosis. Since then, she has undergone numerous procedures to remove cancerous growths. Her experience underscores the importance of early detection and regular skin checks. She has consistently advocated for preventative care, urging her followers to schedule skin checks, mammograms, and other essential medical appointments.
Melanoma, though less prevalent than other skin cancers, poses the greatest danger due to its ability to rapidly metastasize to other organs if not caught early. Early detection often allows for surgical removal as the primary treatment option. Mellencamp previously shared that immunotherapy, an alternative treatment for melanoma, proved unsuccessful in her case.
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Mellencamp acknowledged the persistent anxiety surrounding her regular skin checks, confessing to the fear of biopsies, surgeries, and further scarring. This recent positive outcome brought tears of joy and a profound sense of gratitude for her medical team, family, friends, and supportive followers. She emphasized that their support fuels her continued advocacy for herself and others facing similar challenges.
In a subsequent Instagram post, Mellencamp shared a photo of her healed surgical scars, a testament to her resilience and the skill of her medical team. She proudly displayed the results of “over 1000 stitches” and reiterated the importance of regular skin examinations.
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This positive update follows Mellencamp’s July announcement regarding the need for two additional melanoma removals. She had previously undergone her fifteenth melanoma surgery in April, expressing relief that these recent spots were detected early within 90 days. Her ongoing journey emphasizes the critical need for vigilance and early intervention in the fight against melanoma.