Teddi Mellencamp, the star of *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, has revealed her struggles with “severe anxiety” during her ongoing cancer treatment. The 44-year-old has been diagnosed with stage four melanoma, which has metastasized to her brain and lungs. Following surgery and radiation therapy, Mellencamp began a regimen of immunotherapy. Recently, she shared on social media that the treatment has left her feeling anxious without any clear reason.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Teddi reached out to her followers, asking if others undergoing immunotherapy have experienced similar feelings of anxiety. “OK for those of y’all who’ve gone through immunotherapy, did you have severe anxiety? Just on random days for no apparent reason?” she queried. She described a day when she felt fine after participating in the *Two Ts in a Pod* podcast but later found herself overwhelmed by anxiety.
Challenges of Immunotherapy
Mellencamp has previously discussed the toll that immunotherapy has taken on her health. On her podcast, she noted, “Essentially, what we figured out with me was, yes, I started out feeling great… But what’s happening with me is the longer that I’m on immunotherapy, the sicker it’s making me.” This candid admission highlights the unpredictable nature of cancer treatments and their side effects.
In light of her health challenges, Mellencamp has also indicated that her cancer battle may prevent her from returning to *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*. She expressed this sentiment during an appearance on *The Jamie Kern Lima Show*, stating, “I don’t have the bandwidth for it right now. I’m not somebody who likes to do something when I can’t be good at it.” The reality star, who shares three children—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, five—with her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, emphasized her desire to communicate effectively, especially given the impact of her treatment on her speech.
Communication Difficulties and Personal Reflection
Mellencamp has acknowledged the communication challenges she faces as a result of her treatment. “I feel like my words are a little stutter sometimes, and it doesn’t mean I’m telling a lie,” she explained. She noted that some patients may need to relearn how to speak following similar surgeries, and she expressed gratitude for her ability to communicate as much as she can. Nonetheless, she has experienced days where her speech falters significantly.
The reality star articulated her concerns about participating in a reality show during this vulnerable period. “I would hate to be on a show like that and somebody think that I was not being honest and really I was just struggling,” she reflected. “I don’t think it would be the best for the cast, and it wouldn’t be the best for me right now.”
In sharing her journey, Teddi Mellencamp has opened a dialogue about the mental health challenges that can accompany serious medical treatment. Her candidness provides a glimpse into not only the physical toll of cancer but also the emotional burdens that can arise, reminding audiences of the resilience required in the face of adversity.
