On Tuesday, in an Instagram post, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave revealed to her one million fans that she has been diagnosed with stage two melanoma. She reflected on her recent diagnosis and ended her caption with a call to action.
“Despite my anxiety, I listened to the doctors and went in for my 3-month skin check last week since my previous melanoma. They said I had another abnormal spot near my last one so they did a biopsy. I got the call this morning: Stage 2 melanoma,” she captioned the Instagram post.
She added that she has an oncologist appointment next week to have the melanoma removed and to determine the next steps moving forward. “Of course, this is all pending some additional testing and biopsies of other spots nearby that were taken today,” the reality TV star continued.
RELATED: Chicago Med’s Marlyne Barrett Announces Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave urged her fans to listen to their doctors and follow their advice. “Moral of this story: if a doctor says, “come in every 3 months” please go in every 3 months,” she said. Even she considered blowing off her skin check, but was extremely happy when she didn’t.
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body, if not detected, diagnosed, and treated in its early stages. The cancer occurs when melanocytes – cells that produce melanin and give skin its color – in the skin start to grow out of control.
Apparently, it was her frequent use of baby oil and iodine while tanning many years ago that resulted in her being diagnosed with stage two melanoma. She also cited her failure to wear sunscreen, especially when needed, and failing to get her moles checked until it was too late.
She ended the caption with a simple call to action to all of her fans. “This has been such a wakeup call for me, and I hope to all of you, to love and protect the skin you’re in,” she pleaded.
Teddi Mellencamp Experienced Another Cancer Scare in March
This isn’t the first time Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave has opened up about life with melanoma. She had a similar incident happen in March when her castmate, Kyle Richards, noticed her skin changing color. At the time, she was avoiding going to her yearly skin check, but it was a sign.
“This is a reminder to please go get your yearly skin checks,” she said in an Instagram post. She explained that Richards ‘immediately took me to the doc who within minutes said it looks like melanoma and did a big removal.’ She shared a photo of the bandage on her shoulder.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave is an accountability coach that was featured in seasons eight, nine, and ten of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She also owns a lifestyle and fitness company called ‘All In by Teddi.’ She married Edwin Arroyave in 2011 and they share 3 children together.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Katie Couric Shares Heartbreaking Cancer Diagnosis—She Hopes Her Story Encourages More Women to Get Tested Regularly
Edwin Arroyave is the CEO and Founder of Skyline Security, a security company that operates as one of the ‘largest authorized dealers of Brinks Home Security,’ according to his official website. Born in Columbia, Arroyave now lives in LA with Teddi and their three children.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.