Teddi Mellencamp has been battling cancer since 2022. What was initially skin cancer turned into something much worse. The RHOBH alum went to the ER for migraines and ended up needing emergency surgery in early 2025 after several brain tumors were found. She has Stage 4 brain cancer but is still fighting with everything she’s got. However, her doctor denied her dying wish. Keep reading for more details on the surprising rejection.
RHOBH Star Filed For Divorce Months Before Discovering Brain Cancer
Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave seemed to have a happy marriage when she was on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. However, things weren’t so great between them behind the scenes. Rumors circulated in 2024 that she was having an affair. They separated later that year.
But nearly two years later, they are still married. At least legally. They’ve both moved on to new relationships. However, her former husband has been a great source of comfort during her cancer battle. The reality star’s health issues have also brought her closer to her dad, rock legend John Mellencamp.
Teddi Mellencamp Slams ‘Rude’ Doctor For Denying Dying Wish
Teddi Mellencamp is treating the cancer with immunotherapy. Her scans in late 2025 showed no signs of cancer, but the treatment is ongoing. The RHOBH star opened up about a common side effect of treatment. She’s gained weight from the steroids she’s taking.
She shared more about the situation with The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania on the Two Ts In a Pod podcast. Teddi Mellencamp revealed that she asked her oncologist to put her on GLP-1 weight loss medicine, but the doctor denied the request. “I am a health and wellness coach who’s dying of cancer and because I gained weight from the steroids — getting bigger from the steroids — I asked my doctor if I could please have GLP-1s,” she said.
However, her doctor said no, which she called “rude.” Dolores Catania revealed that she’s starting the weight-loss drugs and encouraged Teddi Mellencamp to ignore the doctor and take them anyway. The RHONJ star also refused to believe that Teddi Mellencamp is dying, despite her Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
“I don’t think you’re dying because he would have said, ‘Oh, that’s what you want? Sure, take that, go do some coke, go snort whatever you want!’” Dolores reasoned. According to the RHONJ alum, the doctor is contradicting himself by refusing the GLP-1 medicine while telling Teddi Mellencamp that she’s dying.
Fans React To Refusal
Teddi Mellencamp has done her best to stay positive amid the cancer battle. She was a contestant on The Masked Singer, sparking praise for her bravery and strength. However, some RHOBH fans disagreed with her worrying about her weight when she has more important things to think about, like cancer.
- “priorities are really something else these days”
- “Her whole business is profiting from promoting disordered eating so..”
- “Not surprising. She’s dealt with an eating disorder for years.”
- “Cancer didn’t humble her, diet culture did. Even on death’s door, she’s chasing that GLP-1 glow while the doc says ‘No.’”
However, others agreed with Dolores Catania that Teddi Mellencamp should be able to do whatever she wants while she still can. The RHOBH star said on the podcast that she knows how to get the GLP-1 without a doctor’s approval. Should she go ahead and take the weight-loss medicine or listen to her doctor? Sound off in the comments.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
