Life has a way of reshaping people—and according to Erika Jayne, that’s exactly what’s happened to her longtime friend and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills castmate, Teddi Mellencamp. As Teddi faces Stage IV cancer with grit and grace, Erika is opening up about the quiet transformation she’s witnessed.
Teddi, who first shared her cancer diagnosis in 2022 after being diagnosed with Stage II melanoma, has since undergone multiple surgeries and treatments. In early 2025, she revealed that the disease had metastasized to her brain and lungs. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, recent updates have been more hopeful—she’s responded positively to immunotherapy, and the tumors have “significantly shrunk.”
On a recent episode of Diamonds in the Rough, Teddi opened up about the emotional toll—and unexpected personal growth—that’s come with her health journey. “I think I changed as a human being,” she said.
Her friend Erika agreed wholeheartedly. “I said I think that you’ve softened your edges, and I see you being very caring,” Erika told Teddi during the podcast. “And I gave some great examples of how you were supportive of me during this time, this really hard time in your life.”
That emotional shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by Teddi either. Once known for her tough-love coaching style and direct personality, she now feels more open—and vulnerable. “I felt what it feels like to maybe never have another hug again,” Teddi admitted, calling her newfound habit of giving hugs a “weird” change in her behavior.
Erika, known for her glam and grit, said this more tender version of Teddi is something special. “I think that Teddi has uncovered a new level of … empathy,” she shared, adding, “You’ve grown so much during this period. And it’s really beautiful to watch.”
Through it all, Teddi’s family has been her anchor. She’s been spending precious time with her three children—Slate (12), Cruz (10), and Dove (5)—while also receiving continued support from her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave.
In this season of her life, Teddi Mellencamp may be fighting for her health—but she’s also discovering a deeper side of herself. And as Erika Jayne said best: watching that evolution has been “really beautiful.”
