‘Real Houswives’ Star Teddi Mellencamp Says She Has A ’50/50 Chance’ Of Surviving Cancer

Baila Eve ZismanApril 17, 2025, 12:40 amNews >

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp has announced that doctors have given her a 50% chance of surviving cancer.

Mellencamp has been dealing with melanoma off and on since 2022 and she shared that her melanoma had spread to her lungs and brain in February, officially reaching stage 4.

Mellencamp recently revealed that her famous father, rock star John Mellencamp, is already planning her burial.

In an episode of Nightline, Mellencamp shared new details of her health condition.

Mellencamp, 43, explained that she is presently undergoing immunotherapy and doing her best not to think in terms of her odds. She said, “I learned this isn’t the best question to ask if you’re doing immunotherapy because immunotherapy has only been around 10 years.”

She continued, “It’s one of my favorite things to ask: ‘How long I got? What are my chances?’ And they oftentimes say 50/50.” She recalled her response: “’50/50? I wouldn’t buy a car that’s only gonna drive 50% of the time. I don’t want this’ And [the doctor’s] like, ‘No, it’s only because that’s how long immunotherapy has been around, so that’s how long the study has worked.’ So that’s when I then try to find the positive.”

Mellencamp admitted that the ordeal has been especially hard for her as she has had to learn to relinquish control.

“I really like to have control, and this is completely out of my control. And for the first time, I’m really scared,” she added. “Sometimes I feel really strong and beautiful and like I can do anything, and sometimes I feel like this might be the lowest and hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

Asked what she most wants people to know about her life at the moment, Mellencamp responded, “I think the biggest thing is don’t take anything for granted…Normally, I’m used to running seven miles, today I’m barely walking one. But you know what? I’m here and that makes me feel good. These are special times that we get to do any of this.”

In a post to Instagram on April 9, Mellencamp emphasized her medical journey’s effect on her with side-by-side photos of her long hair before treatment and her presently balding scalp. She candidly captioned the post, “What a difference 4 months makes. Sometimes I am so focused on ‘being strong’ that I forget I am allowed to be sad, cry it out, and feel very alone. I love my kids, friends, and family so much and am forever grateful to them but dang today is one of those days.”

Mellencamp continued, “If you are having a day where you can’t wait for it to be bedtime so you can start over tomorrow leave me a ♥️ We are not alone.”

She added, “PS. I have watched Netflix and Hulu, what do I watch next? #overyoucancer.”