Teddi Mellencamp is bravely sharing the raw emotional journey she’s been on since her stage 4 cancer diagnosis. The podcast host and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star revealed in February that after being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022, doctors found “multiple” tumors in her brain and lungs. Now 43, Mellencamp made a powerful statement last week, showing off the scars from her recent brain surgery at a cancer awareness event, choosing to go without a wig. As she continues to navigate the ups and downs of her health battle, she’s opened up to fans about how her emotions influence her daily decisions — including whether or not to cover her head.

Teddi Mellencamp has been bravely navigating the emotional rollercoaster of living with stage 4 melanoma, and she’s opening up to her followers about the highs and lows of her journey. In a candid Instagram post, she shared how her mood affects her decision to wear a wig or go without it. “On crying days, I tend to pick the wig,” she wrote, sharing a selfie with her lush blonde locks. “The highs and lows of treatment for stage 4 brain and lung tumors are pretty extreme. Please go get your yearly checks,” she urged her fans, reminding them that May is Melanoma Awareness Month.

The 43-year-old, daughter of John Mellencamp, has never shied away from using her platform for awareness. She urged her followers to book a check-up and remind loved ones to do the same.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Teddi opened up about the devastating toll cancer has taken on her life. She spoke candidly about attending the annual Women’s Cancer Research Fund gala, An Unforgettable Evening, where she was joined by her close friend Kyle Richards. Looking stunning in a black suit and silver shoes, she chose not to wear a wig, proudly showing off the scars from her recent brain surgeries. “This is my first night out since I got out of the hospital,” she said, adding that, despite the devastation, things are getting better.

Teddi revealed that her tumors have significantly reduced thanks to immunotherapy, and her doctors believe it’s making a real difference. She has one more round of treatment before her next check-up on June 1.

As for her children, Teddi said they’ve been a source of unwavering support. Her three kids—Slate, 10, and Cruz and Dove, both 5—have been “so loving, so kind, and so funny” through everything. “Whether it was good news or bad news, we just try to be there for each other and find special moments,” she explained. “I know everyone says this, but I have really good kids,” she added, noting that laughter has been key to getting through the hardest days.

Teddi also expressed her deep gratitude to those who’ve supported her throughout her journey, including her former Real Housewives co-star Kyle Richards and her legendary father, John Mellencamp.

As a passionate equestrian, Teddi took a moment to address the criticism she faced for riding horses during her treatment. “Many people had problems when they noticed that I was riding horses again,” she explained. “I didn’t do this without asking my doctor. The response I got was, ‘Teddi, you should be doing everything that you love right now.’” She added, “If I don’t feel good, I can say, ‘I’m not doing it today,’ or if I feel amazing, I can say, ‘I’m going to go and kick a little a**.’”

Teddi’s strength and optimism shine through as she continues to fight her cancer with the love of her family, friends, and fans behind her.

Teddi Mellencamp has also found a silver lining in her battle with cancer, using her platform to encourage others to be proactive about their health, even though she’s still waiting for an update on her immunotherapy treatment. “I was walking around with tumors for six months to a year without knowing,” she shared. “I started getting migraines and even thought I was going through menopause.”

She emphasized the importance of regular check-ups, saying, “The good thing is that other people are getting checked. I didn’t know much about melanoma or cancer in general until it personally affected me.”

Teddi added, “The fact that I have a platform means more people are going to get checked, and every time I get a message about someone getting checked because of me, it makes me feel good.”

Less than a week after sharing that her tumors have drastically shrunk, bringing her closer to remission, Teddi posted an uplifting video on Instagram. “I just finished all of my scans, and my tumors have significantly shrunk,” she said. “Doctors believe this means the treatment is working, and that I’ll be back to feeling like myself again.”

She also revealed that she has two more immunotherapy sessions left before she hopes to be cancer-free, a remarkable update considering she was previously given a “fifty-fifty” chance of survival. Her news comes after weeks of uncertainty, when a close friend disclosed that Teddi had written a will, confronting the “very real possibility” that a “miracle” might not come. Now, with her tumors shrinking and her spirits rising, it’s a hopeful new chapter in her ongoing fight.

A source close to Teddi revealed that she has indeed made arrangements for her future, saying, “Teddi now has a will. Everything she has will go to her family, ensuring the care of her children.” The insider also shared the heartbreaking reality that Teddi is fully aware of the “very real possibility” that she may not make it through her battle with cancer.

In addition to her health struggles, Teddi’s personal life has also been marked by challenges. After filing for divorce from her husband in November 2024, she was forced to put the legal proceedings on hold as she focused on her health.