Teddi Mellencamp Shares Melanoma Update, Reminds Everyone: 'Please Go Get Checked'

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Teddi Mellencamp has been sharing her melanoma story on social media in the hopes that it helps others to get checked. After having surgery at the end of October and sharing photos each step of the way, she has recently given her fans and followers an update on Instagram.

"Melanoma update: The three lymph nodes that were removed came back clear! Of the 6 additional spots on my back that were biopsied, 5 were melanoma and will need to be surgically removed; one was benign,' she started her caption. "We will continue watching everything like a hawk, as my oncologist says it’s very uncommon to have so many melanomas in one place."

Mellencamp, 41, went on to explain that she had genetic mutation testing done and is currently waiting for those results. "But the lymph nodes being clear is a big win and the good news we celebrate today, as that was causing me extra stress. As always, thanks for the love and support. It’s def helped me through this." She concluded her caption with a reminder for everyone saying, "Please go get checked ???."

Mellencamp shared photos and information shortly after having surgery. She's been open about her journey from the beginning. Her after surgery post was captioned, "Yesterday, I had surgery. I had melanomas removed. I had lymph nodes that lit up so they were also removed and additional biopsies are being done. Hopefully I will get those results soon."

She continued her caption by explaining the process and why she's sharing her story. "Next Wednesday I will get a full genetic mutation testing done for BRCA2, etc. I don’t share this for sympathy- I am sharing because one of the things that keeps me going through all of this is your messages telling me you are getting tested," she wrote.

Mellencamp credits her family for being her support systems through this journey. The mom of three, Slate, 10, Cruz, 8, and Dove, 2, with husband Edwin Arroyave, shared a melanoma update in early October to help bring awareness to the topic.

"Melanoma awareness update. Despite my anxiety, I listened to the doctors and went in for my 3-month skin check last week since my previous melanoma. They said I had another abnormal spot near my last one so they did a biopsy. I got the call this morning: Stage 2 melanoma," her caption began. "Now, next Wednesday I go to an oncologist to have it cut out and come up with a game plan on next steps. Of course, this is all pending some additional testing and biopsies of other spots nearby that were taken today. Moral of this story: if a doctor says, “come in every 3 months” please go in every 3 months."

The reality star went on to explain that she wanted to just blow off the appointment thinking "What could happen in three months?"

"Apparently a lot," her caption continued. "I continue to share this journey because I was a 90s teen, putting baby oil and iodine on my skin to tan it. Never wearing sunscreen or getting my moles checked until I was 40 years old. This has been such a wakeup call for me, and I hope to all of you, to love and protect the skin you’re in."

Many of the reality star's fans commented on her posts saying she's helped to remind them to make their appointments and stay proactive about their health. And some others shared their own personal stories.

One follower wrote, "I actually just made my follow up appt earlier today. Was supposed to be in June. I put it off. ??‍♀️. (Diagnosed with invasive malignant melanoma Dec 2022)." Another added, "Thank you for be being so open all the time. ??You inspired me to finally go in for a couple of suspicious spots (all clear, thankfully!). ??" One other fan wrote, "I’m taking your post as a sign to see my dermatologist. I was avoiding a spot. Thank you! You are brave and you’ve got this!?."