Teddi Mellencamp has been open about her battle with melanoma. Since her diagnosis in 2022, she’s been open about her experiences with the disease. Since that time, she’s been in an incredible battle with Stage 4 cancer. She has endured heavily aggressive medical treatments, including multiple surgeries, as well as currently being on daily radiation and immunotherapy. This year’s crises served as a perfect storm for the still-young 43-year-old. By the time she realized what was happening, the melanoma had metastasized to the rest of her body.
Mellencamp has had more than 16 melanomas surgically excised, a testament to her determination to combat this potentially deadly skincare disease. In February, she had the surgery to remove those “multiple brain tumors” – a major step in her long, multi-year story of treatment. She’s posting her before-and-afters on her Instagram and her podcast. These photos show the results of her surgeries and what they have done to her body physically.
In her latest podcast episode, Mellencamp reflected on the emotional toll of her diagnosis and the support she receives from loved ones. During this difficult time, she thanked her children, friends, and family.
So, of course, yesterday my dad decides to call 11 times in a row. Finally, I answer. And I’m like, ‘I’m in the tub! Can a nigga live, at least let me enjoy. And he’s like, ‘I just want to make sure you’re going to be in our group family mausoleum’.
Her father’s worry is palpable as he navigates his daughter’s health crisis. The seriousness of his diagnosis has not only the country, but his family, to have difficult discussions about what life and legacy looks like. “Well, you’re doing your will right now, so you may as well put it in there,” he reportedly remarked during a recent discussion with his daughter.
As dire as Mellencamp’s situation is, she doesn’t sugarcoat things. She recently joked about contemplating her tombstone while embracing positive affirmations such as “Hot girls never die,” a phrase shared with her by an unidentified friend.
Mellencamp’s trip proved to be transformational, completely changing her life within little over a month’s time. As she continues her fight against cancer, she remains focused on cherishing moments with family and friends, even amidst uncertainty.