RHOC star Vicki Gunvalson breaks silence on Teddi Mellencamp’s brain tumor surgery amid years-long feud. “I don’t care, I don’t care if she dies.”
Pushing Aside Feud to Offer Support
Vicki Gunvalson has broken her silence regarding RHOBH star Teddi Mellencamp’s brain tumor surgery. Despite their years-long feud, the RHOC star, 62, set aside their differences and sent her prayers to Teddi and her loved ones.
During Tuesday’s episode of My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast, Vicki called the drama between them “ridiculous” and expressed genuine concern for Teddi’s health.
Teddi’s Emergency Surgery
Last week, Teddi Mellencamp revealed on Instagram that she had been experiencing severe headaches for weeks. After undergoing tests, doctors found multiple brain tumors, leading to emergency surgery to remove two of the larger ones.
“I have prayed for Teddi,” Vicki said. “My heart goes out to her, her children, [her estranged husband] Edwin [Arroyave], and everyone around her.”
Despite their ongoing feud, Vicki emphasized, “There is no bitterness when it comes to health. The drama was so stupid.”
A Message of Encouragement
Vicki continued by offering her well wishes:
“I just wish the best for her. I hope she recovers. Teddi, if you are listening, I wish you the very best. My heart goes out to you, and you’ve got this, girl. You are strong.”
Their feud began in 2022 when Vicki publicly stated that she wasn’t a fan of Teddi. In 2023, she doubled down, calling Teddi the “rudest Housewife from another city.” Teddi fired back, accusing Vicki of trying to steal her podcast job.
Tamra Judge Reacts to Vicki’s Comments
Tamra Judge, Teddi’s close friend and co-host of Two T’s In A Pod, responded to Vicki’s words during an episode of their podcast.
“Despite all the bad blood, I heard that Vicki said, ‘Teddi doesn’t deserve this,’ and that she’s praying for her,” Tamra said. “When it comes to cancer and serious health issues, none of that drama matters. We appreciate her support.”
Tamra also became emotional when explaining why she wouldn’t share detailed health updates about Teddi.
“People keep asking me for updates, but it’s not my place. Some are even being mean about it, but all I can do is pray for her and support her as a friend.”
She recalled a conversation with Teddi before surgery, sharing that Teddi was determined to keep their podcast going. “She loves it, and she wants everyone to know she’ll be back when she can.”
Teddi’s Family Rallies Around Her
Following her surgery, some of Teddi’s loved ones have shared brief updates on her recovery.
Earlier this week, Edwin Arroyave, Teddi’s estranged husband, posted that he was heading to the hospital with their daughters. The couple shares three children—Slate (12), Cruz (10), and Dove (4)—and Teddi is also a stepmother to Edwin’s daughter Bella (15) from a previous relationship.
“On our way to visit mom,” Edwin wrote, sharing a selfie with Slate and Bella.
In another post, he expressed gratitude: “Our family is thankful for your continued prayers and well wishes. Teddi is beyond grateful for the outpouring of love.”
Teddi’s sister, Justice, also shared an emotional update. Posting a picture of herself next to Teddi’s hospital bed, she wrote:
“Watching a loved one suffer is horrific. I’ve tried to respond to everyone who reached out, and I know Teddi will share her journey when she’s ready. She is the strongest person I know.”
Teddi and Edwin’s Divorce “Off the Table”
Amid Teddi’s health crisis, a source told DailyMail.com that her divorce from Edwin is no longer being discussed.
“Right now, Edwin’s focus is on her recovery,” the insider said. “The surgery was successful, and she is expected to return to their home with their three children.”
Shortly after the procedure, Edwin posted on social media, saying he had never seen Teddi in “so much pain.”
“All I will say is the surgery went well. That said, I’ve never seen @teddimellencamp in so much pain. She’s finally getting some needed rest and is so grateful for all the love.”
Teddi’s Cancer Journey
Doctors discovered Teddi’s brain tumors just three years after she was diagnosed with stage II melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Over the years, she has undergone 16 procedures to remove cancerous growths.
Before her emergency surgery, Teddi was surrounded by family and friends. In one Instagram photo, she could be seen resting in a hospital bed with Edwin standing beside her. She lifted her arm to place her hand on his neck as he gently held her shoulder.
A Message of Faith and Hope
In the caption, Edwin wrote a Bible verse:
Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”
He added:
“Lord, I lift up @teddimellencamp to You. You are the Great Healer, and I ask for Your healing touch upon her body. Restore her strength, renew her spirit, and let her feel Your comforting presence. Grant her peace, hope, and full recovery. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Edwin also shared a short clip of their youngest daughter, Dove, explaining that he would be staying overnight at the hospital to be by Teddi’s side.
Teddi’s Statement on Her Health
In a heartfelt statement last week, Teddi shared her journey:
“For the last several weeks, I’ve been dealing with severe and debilitating headaches. Yesterday, the pain was unbearable, and I had to be hospitalized.”
After a CT scan and MRI, doctors found multiple tumors on her brain, which had been growing for at least six months.
“Two of the tumors were surgically removed today. The smaller ones will be treated with radiation later.”
Teddi expressed gratitude to her loved ones:
“I am blessed to be surrounded by my children, family, friends, doctors, nurses, and surgeons who are doing everything possible to help me heal.”
She thanked everyone for their support and prayers.
A Fighting Spirit
In another post, Teddi shared a photo of herself in a hospital bed, waiting for her children to arrive.
“As my dad said this morning, ‘God only gives hard stuff to those of us who can handle it.’ It’s a tough day, but I have faith, amazing surgeons, and I know everything will be okay.”
She also posted a video of a friend shaving her head before surgery, joking in the caption, “All I need now is an umbrella.”
Continued Support for Teddi
Teddi’s health battle has united friends, family, and even past rivals in sending love and prayers. While her journey is far from over, she remains strong and hopeful, surrounded by unwavering support
