Teddi Mellencamp is currently navigating a challenging cancer battle, as her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, recently shared insights into her struggles. During an appearance on “The Eds” podcast, Arroyave emphasized the importance of positivity while also shedding light on the difficulties Mellencamp faces due to her health condition.
Arroyave noted, “One of the hardest things for her is she really can’t work out,” highlighting how her ongoing treatment has limited her physical activity. The 48-year-old businessman explained that Mellencamp is only now beginning to “move her body” again after undergoing immunotherapy, which has imposed several side effects on her. He remarked that these challenges have taken a toll on her mental health, calling it “one of the toughest” battles she has faced since her diagnosis in October 2022.
Mellencamp, a 44-year-old reality star known for her role on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” initially battled stage 2 melanoma. Unfortunately, her condition progressed to stage 4, leading to cancer spreading to her brain and lungs. In February 2025, she underwent emergency brain surgery, followed by radiation treatment. Remarkably, she celebrated a significant milestone eight months later when doctors found “no detectable cancer” in her body.
Arroyave expressed his gratitude for these positive developments, stating, “Those tumors are gone from what we can see. The chances of that happening were .001 percent. So that was totally a miracle from God.” He makes it a point to remind Mellencamp of these victories, encouraging her to focus on the positives rather than dwelling on the negatives.
The couple, who ended their marriage in 2024 after 13 years, is navigating this difficult time apart. Arroyave urged Mellencamp to “give [herself] credit” for her resilience, praising her for doing “amazing” despite the hardships. His comments come in light of recent revelations from Mellencamp’s father, musician John Mellencamp, who discussed her struggles during an interview on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.
John Mellencamp disclosed, “She’s really sick. … It’s not f–king fun,” adding that his daughter experiences severe side effects from immunotherapy. He noted that she feels relatively well until treatment takes its toll, leaving her feeling unwell for several days. Expressing concern, he mentioned that Teddi has declined his suggestions to move back to Indiana from Los Angeles for support.
In a subsequent interview with “Today,” John revealed that Teddi currently has “10 lesions [in her frontal lobe] … that are not cancerous right now [but] still interrupt her thinking.” This added complexity highlights the ongoing challenges she faces in her recovery journey.
Teddi Mellencamp also provided her own update to listeners of “Two Ts in a Pod,” where she spoke candidly about the “massive PTSD” she has developed as a result of her experiences. Her openness about her mental health struggles adds another layer to the narrative of resilience and the multifaceted nature of battling cancer.
As Teddi Mellencamp continues her fight against cancer, both she and those close to her emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. The journey is far from easy, but her determination and the support from family and friends play crucial roles in her ongoing battle.
