LOS ANGELES — Television personality and cancer awareness advocate Teddi Mellencamp is celebrating a hopeful turn in her health battle, revealing that her tumors have “shrunk or disappeared” as she continues to make progress in her fight against melanoma.
The 43-year-old mother and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is opening up not only about her recovery but also about the deeply personal conversations she’s had with her children along the way.
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In a heartfelt interview with Extra, Mellencamp spoke candidly about how her diagnosis has impacted her family life and how she has chosen to be transparent with her children — Slate (12), Cruz (10), and Dove (5) — whom she shares with husband Edwin Arroyave, told Us Weekly.
“I’ve been very open and vulnerable with them on the days that I don’t feel good and the days that I do, because I don’t ever want them to think that I’m not 100 percent being there the way I used to be,” she said.
Her decision to be honest with her children has helped foster a close-knit, supportive environment at home. Mellencamp shared touching details about how her kids have embraced caretaker roles in her recovery, offering both emotional and practical support.
“They’ve been my caretakers and, like, my son, every night will be like, ‘Do you want your elixir?’” Mellencamp explained. “And really, my elixir is half a Pedialyte and half sparkling water, and it’s like we’re trying to get the perfect combination, and every night he’s like, ‘Blue raspberry or…?’”
The simple routine has become a symbol of love and resilience for the family. Mellencamp expressed gratitude for her children’s compassion and emotional intelligence during such a difficult time. “I’m so happy that I’ve been able to encourage them to share when they need help and when it’s okay to be sad or happy,” she added.
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Earlier this month, Mellencamp also took to social media to share a hopeful update with her followers: her tumors have “shrunk,” a promising sign in her ongoing treatment journey. Her openness about the highs and lows of her diagnosis has made her a source of inspiration to many facing similar battles.
With continued medical progress and a strong family foundation, Mellencamp remains focused on healing and staying connected to what matters most — her children, her health, and her message of honesty and hope.
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