Teddi Mellencamp Reflects on 1st Anniversary of Brain Surgery

The 'RHOBH' star shares emotional post about her health journey over the past year.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Teddi Mellencamp, a former cast member of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', marked the one-year anniversary of her emergency brain surgery with a touching Instagram post. In October 2022, Mellencamp revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma and has undergone over a dozen surgeries since, including the brain surgery in February 2025 to remove plum-sized stage 4 tumors. While she said her stage 4 cancer is now 'gone', she is still not considered to be 'in remission'. Mellencamp expressed gratitude for the doctors, nurses, family, and friends who supported her through this difficult health journey, but also admitted to having 'a lot of anxiety' surrounding the anniversary. She encouraged her followers to 'trust your instincts' and get checked.

Why it matters

Mellencamp's openness about her cancer battle and recovery process sheds light on the physical and mental health challenges that many cancer patients face, even after treatment. Her story resonates with others going through similar health struggles and serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and seeking medical attention when something feels off.

The details

In her Instagram post, Mellencamp revealed that she went to the ER thinking she had migraines, only to learn within 24 hours that she needed emergency brain surgery to remove plum-sized stage 4 tumors. Since her initial diagnosis in October 2022, she has undergone over a dozen surgeries. While her stage 4 cancer is now 'gone', she is still not considered to be 'in remission'. Mellencamp's estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, has said the immunotherapy treatment she is undergoing is 'really hard on her mental health', and Mellencamp has turned to therapy to process the 'frustrating' cancer battle, her emergency surgery, and her divorce.

  • On February 9, 2026, Teddi Mellencamp marked the one-year anniversary of her emergency brain surgery.
  • In October 2022, Mellencamp revealed her stage 2 melanoma diagnosis.
  • In February 2025, Mellencamp underwent emergency brain surgery to remove plum-sized stage 4 tumors.
  • In October 2025, Mellencamp said her stage 4 cancer was 'gone', but she is not considered to be 'in remission' yet.

The players

Teddi Mellencamp

A former cast member of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' who was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in October 2022 and has undergone over a dozen surgeries, including emergency brain surgery in February 2025 to remove plum-sized stage 4 tumors.

Edwin Arroyave

Teddi Mellencamp's estranged husband, who has said the immunotherapy treatment she is undergoing for her cancer is 'really hard on her mental health'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A year ago today I went into the ER thinking I had migraines and within 24 hours was having surgery on the plum-sized stage 4 tumors on my brain.”

— Teddi Mellencamp (Instagram)

“I have a lot of anxiety surrounding today but also a lot of gratitude. Gratitude for the doctors and nurses who took care of me, gratitude for my family and friends for supporting me, and gratitude for all the love that you have poured into me.”

— Teddi Mellencamp (Instagram)

“Teddi's inner battle with cancer is one of the toughest ones she has to fight since her diagnosis.”

— Edwin Arroyave, Teddi Mellencamp's estranged husband (Instagram)

What’s next

Mellencamp continues to undergo immunotherapy treatment, which her estranged husband says is 'really hard on her mental health'. She is also turning to therapy to process the 'frustrating' cancer battle, her emergency surgery, and her divorce.

The takeaway

Mellencamp's story highlights the physical and emotional toll that cancer can take, even after treatment. Her openness about her journey serves as an important reminder to prioritize mental health alongside physical health, and to seek support from loved ones and medical professionals when facing a serious illness.