Teddie Mellencamp is back within the saddle after undergoing brain surgery last month.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum shared photos and videos of herself riding her horse, Toad, and competing in an equestrian event via Instagram on Saturday, March 8.
“17 days in hospital. First ride in 4 weeks. I’m so blessed,” she wrote over footage of herself participating in a dressage event.
“Dear brain tumors. You tried to interrupt my heart. You failed. I like life 2 much to waste more tears on you,” Mellencamp, 43, wrote over a photograph of two show ribbons. She also thanked skilled equestrians John Zambrano and Peter Lomabardo for “giving me the boldness and support to return within the show ring.”
Mellencamp posted more footage from her day on the paddocks, sharing a video while she rode Toad and thanked him for being a “horse of a lifetime.”
“My baby boy would do anything for me. I’d do the identical for him. Horse of a lifetime. Toad thanks for making me feel alive,” she wrote over the clip, which featured Sonny & Cher’s song “I Got You Babe.”
Mellencamp recently underwent brain surgery on February 12 to remove multiple tumors, which produced “severe and debilitating headaches” for several weeks and had reportedly been growing for six months. In an update post-surgery, she shared photos from the hospital, in addition to a CT scan, and revealed that 4 tumors were faraway from her brain. She is now receiving immunotherapy and radiation.
“I actually have multiple tumors in my brain that weren’t in a position to be removed via surgery. I even have 2 tumors in my lung. These are all metastases of my melanoma,” Mellencamp wrote via Instagram on Thursday, March 6. “The doctors are hopeful that immunotherapy will effectively treat them. I’m feeling positive — that I’ll win this battle, that I got this wig (I just like the short hair, just not the bald spots), and that I can remember all of Angelina [Jolie]’s kids’ names. Now, as @bravoandy would say: with all due… f*** off, cancer!”
Earlier on Saturday, Mellencamp opened up about how horseback riding has helped her amid her cancer journey. (She was also diagnosed with stage II melanoma, a variety of skin cancer, which was promptly removed in 2022.)
“I unknowingly rode with huge tumors in my brain for six months and people big ones are gone now. If you find yourself sick or have cancer, your mental health may be very vital. I have to keep going and provides myself joy and goals,” Mellencamp shared via Instagram.
“I’m going to all the time fight to be my best and find ways to smile and luxuriate in my life. Thanks for coming along this journey with me. I’m in no place for negativity or discouragement.”
She also thanked her father, John Mellencamp, for believing in her and letting her know she “can do it.”
“Cried with happiness that I actually have your support,” she stated.
Following Teddi’s surgery, her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, shared an update on her health. (Teddi filed for divorce from Arroyave, 47, in November 2024. The pair share daughters Slate, 12, and Dove, 5, in addition to son Cruz, 10.)
“So many individuals asking for updates. All I’ll say right away is surgery went well,” he wrote via his Instagram Story in February. “That said, I’ve never seen @teddimellencamp in a lot pain. She’s finally getting some needed rest. I do know she is so grateful for the outpouring of affection.”
Teddi added in February, “As I move on to the subsequent steps in my treatment, I just desired to say thanks to everybody for the outpouring of affection and prayers. I see them, they usually’re definitely helping me stay strong.”
