Teddi Mellencamp Admits She’s ‘In Denial’ Amid Cancer Battle

Teddi Mellencamp has revealed that despite medical victories in her advanced melanoma battle, she is struggling to face hard truths, admitting she is “in denial” about her condition.

The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum has been open about undergoing aggressive treatment since her 2022 diagnosis, but now admits the emotional toll is heavier than expected.

On her podcast, Mellencamp shared that while her tumors are shrinking, acknowledging the gravity of her stage 4 status and her family’s worries remains challenging.

Mellencamp has endured a grueling three-year journey with melanoma, including surgery and brain radiation, with tumors spreading to her lungs and brain.

Thankfully, the reality TV star has made significant progress in her health, but she is yet to come to terms with how far she has come.

Speaking to co-host Tamara Judge on her “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast, Mellencamp revealed per Entertainment Weekly, “I think it’s really hard being in a place where I kind of am in denial of where I am physically. And when other people are not in denial, it’s hard.”

She continued, noting that her loved ones were urging her to confront the full scope of her condition.

“My family wants to have like the hard conversations, and I don’t… They want to talk about things like the future, or medically, exactly how I’m doing, and I don’t want to talk about it,” she added.

Mellencamp’s revelation comes weeks after she gave another update on her health.

In a June 2025 episode of the podcast, the 44-year-old opened up about an MRI she had the previous day after she began having recurring headaches.

The television personality revealed that it got her nervous and wondering if the brain tumors were increasing, considering that headaches were the initial signs of her brain tumors. However, following an MRI, Mellencamp received good news.

“The doctors came in and said the tumors have not grown at all, if anything they’re shrinking. I’m in the one percent range of improvement,” Mellencamp shared.

However, the star clarified that she still has stage 4 cancer. “It’s stage 4 until it’s gone, until I’m in remission,” she stated, adding that the plan was for her to remain in immunotherapy for two years.

Mellencamp is celebrating the positive changes she’s experiencing as a result of her medical progress.

In June, she took to her Instagram page to reveal that she had finally seen the first signs of real hair regrowth following her extensive treatment.

Mellencamp shared before-and-after photos from May 12 and June 16. One featured significant bald spots on her head, while the other showed the spots covered with hair.

“Today was the first day I realized a real change in my hair regrowth,” she wrote in the caption.

The reality TV star also noted that while she felt grateful for immunotherapy, the changes in her appearance took a toll on her emotionally.

“I just desperately want to be back to my usual self. So this little bit of hair growth, this change from May 12th (second slide) to today, June 16th, made me smile. It’s amazing what my body can do,” she finished.

Shortly after sharing the post, Teddi Mellencamp received a wave of support from fans.

“This is so real! I remember I would look in the mirror daily hoping my hair would be longer eating to feel that same normalcy. From one thriver to another, give yourself grace. Feel the feels,” one fan wrote.

Another shared, “Stage 3 melanoma survivor. Thank you for using your platform to share information and awareness. Wishing you strength and sending hugs - we got this!!”

A third user also commented, “I totally understand what you’re going through. I am also fighting stage 4 lung cancer. Keep positive, that helps a lot. Sending positive vibes and prayers.”

Meanwhile, Mellencamp isn’t letting her cancer battle deter her from finding love.

In June, she sparked dating rumors after being spotted cozying up with a mystery man following her divorce from Edwin Arroyave in November 2024.

Photos showed the duo enjoying a jog while dressed in casual outfits. In one of the snaps, the mystery man placed his arm around Mellencamp and kissed her.

A month later, reports have confirmed that her new beau is Ricci Rea, a senior producer at the boutique agency Dorothy, who has worked with Apple TV+ and Fox.

The couple was recently spotted at the airport preparing for a family trip with Mellencamp’s kids.