The Power of Support
- “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Teddi Mellencamp shaved her head this week with a tremendous amount of support from her loved ones ahead of surgery to remove two brain tumors, after multiple tumors were found in her brain.
- Mellencamp learned she had brain tumors after weeks of suffering from “severe and debilitating headaches” but she remains hopeful for the future and has confidence in her medical team.
- She previously underwent 16 diagnoses of melanoma, which is type of skin cancer that starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. It is most likely found on sun-exposed skin areas like your face, neck, arms, and legs. However, you might also find them in your feet, eyes, and mouth.
- Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik says supporters of cancer patients should prepare themselves for a wide range of emotions a cancer diagnosis can spawn. “People can have a range of emotions, they can include fear, anger, and these emotions tend to be fluid.”
Mellencamp, who shares three children with her ex husband, CEO and Founder of Skyline Security Management Edwin Arroyave, took to social media to offer fans a health update as she was surrounded by loved ones, including her friends, singer Morgan Wade and actress Kyle Richards, before the procedure.
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Mellencamp continued, “I am blessed to be surrounded by my children, family, friends, doctors, nurses and surgeons who are doing everything possible to get me back into better health.
“Thank you to everybody who has reached out, and to everyone who has supported me along the journey.”
She also took to her Instagram story to share a video clip of her head being shaved and the aftermath, showing some hair left and some circular stickers, called fiducial markers, across the top of her face.
Her beloved friend Richard’s shared another image of Mellencamp holding her friends hands as everyone gathered around her before going into surgery.
Wade and Richards were also since in a video shared on Mellencamp’s Instagram story, showing them right next to the hospital bed.
We’re delighted to see Mellencamp have such a supportive group of friends and family by her side throughout such an arduous time.
Prior to that, Mellencamp share a sweet quote from her dad John Cougar Mellencamp, writing, “As my dad said this am, god only gives hard stuff to those of us who can handle it.
“It’s a hard day but I have faith and amazing surgeons and know everything will be ok.”
Understanding Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can impact a person’s brain function and overall health — but how much depends on their size, type, and location within the brain. Tumors that grow big enough and disrupt normal central nervous system functioning can press on nearby nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues. The disrupted central nervous system can present in various ways, making walking or maintaining balance difficult.
Brain tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). There are various types of brain tumors, with gliomas being the most common cancerous type of aggressive primary brain tumors.
What is a Glioma: Understanding Types & Standard of Care
Headaches & Brain Tumors
Headaches are among the most common health complaints people experience. They can range from mild to severe and can be caused by various factors, including stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or underlying medical conditions.
However, for many people, a persistent or unusual headache could spark fears that something more serious is wrong, such as a brain tumor. While this concern is understandable, it is important to note that the vast majority of headaches are not caused by brain tumors.
Gliomas and Headaches: When to Worry & What Your Symptoms Could Mean
“Headaches are very common. Most people have headaches once in a while,” Dr. Herbert Newton, a neuro-oncologist at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, explains. “The red flag for a brain tumor headache is usually it’s a different type of headache than the person’s chronic headache — whether it’s a stress headache or a migraine.”
Understanding Brain Tumors
- Novel Brain Cancer Treatment: Tumor Treating Fields (Optune Gio): What, How, Who, Why?
- Glioma Diagnosis: Take Control By Understanding The Value Of Your Treatment Team
- Breakthrough Hope: A Revolutionary Advance in Treating Brain Cancer Called Glioma — The Drug Vorasidenib Represents The First Progress in 20 Years
- How Tumor Boards Shape Glioma Treatment Decisions: Balancing Options
- Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Glioma: A Comprehensive Overview
- Understanding Glioma Grading — What it Means and Why Grade Matters
- Understanding Glioma: Challenges of Radiation Therapy vs. Surgery
- Understanding the Treatment Path for Glioma Patients
And while most headaches do not indicate a brain tumor, there are certain red flags that patients should be aware of that could indicate glioma. Recognizing these warning signs — and when a headache could be something more — can help ensure that serious conditions, including brain tumors, are identified and treated promptly.
When Should a Headache Cause Concern?
While most headaches are harmless, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious problem.
If you experience any of the following, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
A Headache That Feels Unusual or Persistent
If your headache does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, is more severe in the morning or wakes you up from sleep or is associated with nausea or vomiting, especially without other common causes like food poisoning or flu, consider seeing a doctor.
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms people with brain tumors experience, Dr. Newton says. “You see those in 85 to 90% of patients.”
Seizures
About 60 to 75% of patients also experience seizures, Dr. Newton says. If you experience a seizure for the first time, without a history of epilepsy or have muscle jerking, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations before or after the event, this should prompt a doctor visit.
Memory Problems or Cognitive Changes
Patients with brain tumors may experience difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, confusion or trouble concentrating on daily tasks, or struggling with decision-making or problem-solving skills.
Weakness or Numbness
Patients may experience sudden or gradual weakness in the arms, legs, or face, numbness or tingling, especially if it affects one side of the body, and difficulty with coordination or balance.
Vision or Hearing Changes
Additional symptoms might include blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes, hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or increased sensitivity to light or sound.
Mood or Behavioral Changes
Brain tumors may also cause increased irritability, depression, or anxiety that is out of character — as well as personality shifts, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive, or unexplained mood swings or emotional instability.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. While these signs do not necessarily mean you have a brain tumor, they do warrant further investigation to rule out serious conditions.
What to Do if You Have Concerning Symptoms
If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms listed above, the best course of action is to consult your family doctor. They will begin by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a neurological exam. Based on their findings, they may recommend additional tests to get a clearer picture of what is causing your symptoms.
Common Tests for Headache Evaluation
- Neurological examination: Your doctor will assess your reflexes, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and sensory responses to check for abnormalities in brain function.
- Blood tests: These can help diagnose infections, inflammation, or other systemic conditions that may contribute to headaches.
- Imaging Studies (CT or MRI of the Brain): A CT scan provides a detailed view of the brain using X-ray technology and can detect tumors, bleeding, or other abnormalities. An MRI offers an even more detailed image of the brain and is often used when a tumor is suspected. It provides clear images of soft tissues, helping doctors assess any potential masses or structural changes.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Certain symptoms require immediate attention.
If you experience any of the following, you should go to the emergency room right away:
- A sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of my life”
- A headache that comes on suddenly and intensely (also known as a thunderclap headache)
- A headache following a head injury, especially if accompanied by loss of consciousness or confusion
- A seizure, especially if it is your first
- Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination
- Persistent vomiting with a severe headache
While headaches are common and usually harmless, it is essential to pay attention to how your body feels. If your headache feels different than usual, lasts longer, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Early detection and treatment of serious conditions can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Your health is important, and it is always better to be cautious when it comes to unexplained symptoms. If in doubt, reach out to your doctor, and trust your instincts—seeking medical care when something doesn’t feel right can provide peace of mind and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly.
Teddi Mellencamp’s Skin Cancer Journey
Teddi Mellencamp was first diagnosed with stage 0 melanoma back in March 2022. Then in October of that year, after keeping up with her skin checks, she was diagnosed with stage 2.
Since then she’s had a total of 16 cancer growths removed.
We’re delighted Mellencamp is continuing to share her ongoing skin cancer story as she’s exuded resilience and positivity along the way.
Last year, Mellencamp opened up about undergoing surgery to get cancer removed from her back following an unsuccessful immunotherapy treatment.
RELATED: Continued melanoma treatment after surgery.
She previously took to her Instagram story to warn fans, “This is just a reminder to all of you guys. Go get your skin checked. I was talking to someone the other day and they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, I tan easily, blah blah blah. So, I’m not prone to it.'”
Mellencamp added, ” Anyhoo, I know that sometimes going to get things checked or booking your appointments can create uneasiness in us but it is so worth it,” according to People.
WATCH: What Is Mohs Surgery?
Power of Support
A cancer diagnosis can be extremely stressful. One way SurvivorNet experts encourage cancer patients to alleviate some of that stress by leaning on their support system.
A support system can be made up of loved ones like family and friends. It can also be comprised of strangers who have come together because of a shared cancer experience. Mental health professionals can also be critical parts of a support system.
WATCH: Sharing details about your cancer diagnosis.
“Some people don’t need to go outside of their family and friend’s circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik told SurvivorNet.
“But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional,” Dr. Plutchik added.
Dr. Plutchik also stressed it is important for people supporting cancer warriors to understand their emotions can vary day-to-day.
“People can have a range of emotions, they can include fear, anger, and these emotions tend to be fluid. They can recede and return based on where someone is in the process,” Dr. Plutchik said.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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