Tamra Judge has declared Teddi Mellencamp “an inspiration.”
How to Watch
The Real Housewives of Orange County mom bestowed the label in a recent interview with The Daily Dish, as Teddi continued to battle Stage 4 melanoma. Although she said Teddi’s diagnosis was “everybody’s worst nightmare,” Tamra applauded her friend for maintaining a strong sense of optimism and resilience.
Tamra Judge praises Teddi Mellencamp’s positivity
“It’s hard,” Tamra said. “[Teddi is] dealing with it, and she’s dealing with it with such positivity and such strength. And it’s just inspiring. I just look at her, and she’s going through treatment. Here she is, her head is shaved, she’s tired all the time, and she will get up and get on the treadmill. She says, ‘Even if it’s five minutes, I got to move my body. I gotta keep going.’ Just always so positive.”
The OC Housewife confessed she felt a bit “guilty” during Teddi’s health journey, as The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum had frequently offered her support amid Tamra’s RHOC Season 19 drama.
RELATED: Kyle Richards Pens an Emotional Tribute to Teddi Mellencamp: “In Total Awe of You”
“I feel guilty because during filming, she’ll be like, ‘How are you?’” Tamra recalled. “I’m like, ‘I’m crying. It’s horrible. The girls (Tamra’s castmates) are horrible to me.’ And she’s like, ‘Honey, you got this.’ And I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, I should be saying this to you, you know?’ But she’s an inspiration for sure.”
When was Teddi Mellencamp first diagnosed with melanoma?
Teddi was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 after RHOBH’s Kyle Richards noticed an abnormal spot on her back. Teddi ultimately took Kyle’s advice and went to see a doctor, who informed her she had Stage 2 melanoma. Teddi went on to receive more skin cancer diagnoses over the following years, undergoing more than a dozen excisions and various treatments to get rid of the disease.
In February 2025, Teddi confirmed her cancer had metastasized, resulting in multiple tumors on her brain and lungs. The mother of three has since had surgeries and radiation treatments to remove the masses, and is currently undergoing immunotherapy.
Tamra Judge gives an update on Teddi Mellencamp’s cancer treatments
Tamra shared a brief update on Teddi’s condition during her July 10 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, saying Teddi’s physicians seemed pleased with her progress.
RELATED: Teddi Mellencamp Celebrated Turning 44 with Tamra Judge & a Big Surprise: “Best Birthday Ever”
“Her doctor told her that she’s, like, the 1% of where the immunotherapy is actually helping to shrink the tumors,” Tamra told WWHL host Andy Cohen. “I just want her better and, you know. It’s just, I love her so much.”
Teddi’s cancer battle continues as she navigates big changes in her personal life. In November 2024, the Indiana native filed for divorce from Edwin Arroyave after 13 years of marriage. The two have maintained a supportive friendship and co-parenting dynamic throughout their split.
Teddi has since confirmed she’s back in the dating scene and became involved with “a good guy” after getting on dating apps. Get more details about the relationship.
— Additional reporting by Stephanie Gomulka
