Real Housewives Star Teddi Mellencamp Diagnosed With Stage IV Melanoma

Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, reality TV star and wellness coach known from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, shared in April 2025 that her melanoma has progressed to stage IV. She revealed the emotional and physical impact of her diagnosis, stating, “I’m fighting for my life.”

The 42-year-old mother of three was hospitalized in February after doctors discovered multiple tumors in her brain. The tumors were linked to her ongoing battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer she has been managing since her first diagnosis in 2022.

In a video update, Mellencamp explained that she had been experiencing headaches, dizziness, and vision problems in late January. After several tests, doctors confirmed the presence of brain tumors. She underwent emergency treatment, including surgery and radiation therapy, to remove and reduce the tumors.

Despite aggressive care, follow-up scans showed that the cancer had spread further. In April, she confirmed that her melanoma had reached stage IV, meaning it had spread to other organs beyond the skin and brain. “Hearing those words broke me,” she said. “But I’m not giving up.”

Stage IV melanoma is considered advanced and can be difficult to treat, especially when it spreads to the brain. Mellencamp’s treatment plan now includes targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and regular monitoring to slow the cancer’s progression.

She has remained open with fans about her condition, posting photos from the hospital and sharing honest reflections about fear, pain, and hope. “Some days are harder than others,” she said. “But I wake up every day ready to fight—for my kids, for myself, and for anyone else going through this.”

Mellencamp has three children with her husband, Edwin Arroyave. She said they have been her biggest source of strength during this time. “They keep me grounded,” she said. “I look at them, and I know I have to keep going.”

Fans and fellow Real Housewives stars have offered support through messages, fundraisers, and public shows of solidarity. Many praised her transparency and courage in sharing her journey. Health experts also used her story to encourage skin checks and sun protection, especially among younger women.

Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can spread quickly if not treated early. It often begins as a mole or skin lesion and can become deadly once it reaches internal organs or the brain. Mellencamp has long used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and routine skin checks.

As of July 2025, she continues treatment while spending as much time as possible with family and close friends. She says her focus is on healing, gratitude, and sharing her truth.

“I’m still here,” she said in her latest update. “And while I don’t know what tomorrow holds, today I’m choosing to live, love, and fight.”