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Reality TV personality Teddi Mellencamp recently shared details of a poignant discussion with her father, iconic musician John Mellencamp, concerning her final arrangements. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, currently facing stage four cancer, disclosed that her father contacted her to inquire about her interest in joining the family mausoleum in Indiana. This conversation comes as Mellencamp proactively plans for the future amidst her health challenges.
Family Mausoleum Plans Discussed
Father Initiates Burial Plot Conversation
The former RHOBH cast member, 43, who is currently battling stage four cancer, revealed that her father called her to ascertain if she wished to be included in their ‘group family mausoleum’ located in Indiana.
Mellencamp expressed that she was not in a particular hurry to make a decision regarding the somber matter. However, her father reminded her that she ‘may as well’ solidify her choice as she is currently in the process of updating her will.
Mausoleum to Accommodate Mellencamp’s Children
The ‘Jack & Diane’ singer even informed his daughter that their family mausoleum would have enough space to accommodate her three children, whom she shares with her estranged husband Edwin Arroyave: Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, five.
‘Yesterday, my dad called eleven times consecutively. Finally, I answered, saying, “I’m in the bath. Let me have a moment,”‘ she recounted on a recent episode of her podcast, Two Ts In A Pod. ‘He said, “I just want to confirm that you are going to be in our group family mausoleum.”‘
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‘I responded, “I have children, so where will they be placed?” He explained, “Well, there will be the top five spots, and then we will have smaller sections around it, and that is where everyone will be interred.”‘
She recounted, ‘I asked, “Do I need to commit to this decision right now?” and he responded, “You are preparing your will currently, so you may as well include it there.”‘
Confronting Mortality and Medical Decisions
Addressing Concerns About Vegetative State
The grave discussion also touched upon the possibility of her entering a vegetative state.
Mellencamp conveyed to her father her aversion to ‘being a vegetable,’ which prompted her father to declare his intention to be ‘in charge’ of that specific eventuality.
‘I stated… “This serves as a reminder. I do not wish to exist as a vegetable. I am prepared to fight incessantly, but if I become a-” and he interjected, “I am going to manage that situation.”‘
‘I replied, “Well, I will amend my will immediately if you are unwilling to-” He countered, “Vegetable is a subjective term.” I questioned, “What do you mean? If I am akin to a cucumber or a… this is not subjective. It is a definitive state.”‘
Teddi mentioned that she believes she ‘agreed’ to join the mausoleum, anticipating further family discussions.
‘But regardless, I believe I consented to be in the mausoleum, and I will need to discuss it with my sister next week. The children will be placed subsequently.’
Teddi Mellencamp’s Cancer Battle
Stage Four Cancer Diagnosis
Mellencamp was initially diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. She recently confirmed to USWeekly that it has since metastasized to her lungs and brain.
Subsequent to her interview, she discovered the presence of four additional tumors in her brain.
Mellencamp is now facing the difficult reality that her daughters may have to navigate life without her in the foreseeable future.
Stage 4 cancer is classified as the most advanced and severe stage, indicating that the malignancy has spread from its origin to other regions of the body.
Speaking to Us, she disclosed: ‘I had six brain tumors and two lung tumors; they all originated from melanoma that had metastasized into these tumors within my body.’
Treatment and Prognosis
Given her serious prognosis, Mellencamp’s treatment strategy has been adjusted. The star stated: ‘I will have definitive information regarding our next steps on June 1. Whether we need to pursue another round [of treatment], if additional surgery is necessary, or if this signifies the conclusion. It is a challenging realization to accept.’
‘Contemplating the end is undoubtedly exceedingly difficult.’
‘This is unquestionably the most challenging ordeal [I have encountered in my life], however, it currently feels somewhat less daunting. During my time in the ICU, it was incredibly arduous due to memory loss. One day, I realized it was my daughter’s birthday, and I was unable to be present for it; that was profoundly upsetting. It remains disheartening when I cannot be there for my children in the manner I typically would.’
Mellencamp has undergone immunotherapy and radiation therapy in an effort to combat the cancer.
RHOBH Support System
Kyle Richards Provides Crucial Assistance
This development arises after the star revealed which Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills colleague had seemingly abandoned her during her fight against brain cancer.
Teddi disclosed that Garcelle Beauvais has not made any contact.
Conversely, she acknowledged that Kyle Richards has been supportive since the onset of her cancer journey in 2022.
Teddi explained that she experienced migraines earlier this year, prompting her to seek professional medical evaluation. Subsequently, she received a diagnosis of six brain tumors and two lung tumors resulting from melanoma metastasis.
The RHOBH alum required expedited access to Cedars-Sinai hospital, a leading medical institution. She turned to a former castmate for assistance, stating: ‘We contacted Kyle [Richards] and inquired, “How can we gain admission to Cedars?” She made inquiries and facilitated our entry. Kyle was instrumental in resolving the situation.’
Garcelle Beauvais’s Silence
‘I believe that within 24 hours, a remarkable surgeon was able to remove four tumors from my brain. I was unaware that they had been present for six months to a year, and we had no prior knowledge of their existence.’
Teddi has received support from numerous Bravo personalities throughout her health struggle. However, she revealed that one individual has not even sent a message, while another, with whom she had a prior dispute, reached out.
She stated: ‘Garcelle [Beauvais] has not contacted me. Dorit [Kemsley] has now done so. I maintain a good friendship with Erika [Jayne], so she inquired, “Dorit wishes to reach out to you now, may she?”‘
‘I responded, “[I] am uncertain as to how quickly I will be able to forgive, but certainly.” However, her message was so considerate that I anticipate we will likely reconcile.’