Teddi Mellencamp Shares Encouraging Update in Stage 4 Melanoma Battle

Teddi Mellencamp, the 43-year-old reality star and podcaster — and daughter of iconic singer John Mellencamp — has been facing down stage 4 melanoma with remarkable openness and grit. On Wednesday, she let fans in on a much-needed dose of good news: her latest scans show that all metastasized tumors in her brain and lungs have either shrunk or disappeared.

Mellencamp, who you might remember from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has been vocal about her cancer journey. Her battle began with skin cancer on her back, but things escalated when the disease spread to her brain and lungs. She’s had surgery to remove four brain tumors, and five more remain, but she’s not backing down — ongoing immunotherapy and radiation treatments have been her new normal, as she’s shared on her podcast "Two Ts In A Pod."

Doctors initially gave Mellencamp a daunting 50/50 chance at survival. She approached the odds with her signature humor, saying, "50/50? I wouldn’t buy a car that’s only gonna drive 50 percent of the time. I don’t want this." Her doctors reassured her that the odds reflect the relatively recent history of immunotherapy, not her personal trajectory. Since then, she’s been focusing on the positives, and now, her persistence is paying off.

In a video update, Mellencamp said, "My tumors have significantly shrunk, which doctors believe means that this all will work and that I will be back to myself." She’s got two more immunotherapy sessions to go and is holding onto hope that she’ll soon be cancer-free. Her doctor’s encouragement — "You did this. You got this." — seems to have become her new mantra.

Melanoma, especially in its advanced stages, is notorious for spreading and being tough to treat. According to the National Cancer Institute, the incidence rate of metastatic melanoma in the U.S. is 0.9 per 100,000 people, and the risk of it spreading increases with each stage. Experts say that in stage 3, up to 40% of patients may develop distant metastases, with the brain and lungs being the most common destinations for these rogue cells.

Dr. Marcus Monroe from the University of Utah explained that melanoma is far more likely to metastasize than more common skin cancers, and Dr. Jose Lutzky from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center added that the risk of spread can range from 20% to 70% if the original lesion is deep or involves lymph nodes.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Dr. Joshua Strauss from Advanced Care Oncology and Hematology Associates noted that while metastatic melanoma used to be almost untouchable by traditional chemo and radiation, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have changed the game — long-term remission, even potential cures, are now on the table for up to half of advanced cases.

Prevention, of course, is still the best medicine. Experts stress the importance of sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and regular skin checks — especially for those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, those with fair skin, freckles, or light eyes, or anyone on immune-suppressing medications. Indoor tanning is right at the top of the no-go list. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for anyone stepping out into the sun.

Dr. Strauss uses the ABCDE rule — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over a pencil eraser, and Evolving changes — to help people recognize suspicious moles early. He and other experts praised Mellencamp’s willingness to share her journey, saying her openness could help save lives by raising awareness and reducing stigma around melanoma.

As Mellencamp’s fight continues, the medical world is watching, and so are countless fans rooting for her. Here’s to hoping her next update is even brighter.