WASHINGTON — Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave clarified remarks made by her father, musician John Mellencamp, who said earlier this month that she is “suffering” from stage 4 cancer.
John Mellencamp made the comments on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast on Jan. 14, describing his 44-year-old daughter, a former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as “really sick” and having cancer in the brain.
Teddi Mellencamp addressed the remarks on the Jan. 28 episode of her podcast, Two T’s in a Pod, which she co-hosts with Tamra Judge. She said her father’s use of the word “suffering” referred to her mental state rather than her physical health.
“You know, I think when he said the words ‘suffering,’ he meant like how I’m mentally doing versus how I’m physically doing,” she told listeners.
She confirmed that her cancer has not returned but said she continues to undergo immunotherapy. “I’m still considered stage four and I’m still in immunotherapy, so essentially nothing’s changed other than I still — I don’t feel great … I would hope that I would be feeling better by now, but I really don’t,” she said.
Teddi Mellencamp was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest and most invasive form of skin cancer, in 2022. The cancer later spread to her lungs and brain. She has shared her journey on social media to provide support and insight for others facing similar challenges.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, melanoma primarily affects women with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue eyes. Early screening is recommended for individuals with existing moles, a family history of skin cancer, or a history of intense sun exposure.