'The Real Housewives of Orange County' actress Jeana Keough diagnosed with Tongue Cancer
Washington DC, July 19
Actress Jeana Keough, who broke out to fame with 'The Real Housewives of Orange County', has been diagnosed with tongue cancer at the age of 70, her daughter confirmed, reported Deadline.
The former Bravo star was recently diagnosed, and her daughter, Kara Bosworth, shared details on social media as she looks to crowdfund to cover cancer treatment expenses.
"A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue. She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down," read the GoFundMe page as quoted by Deadline.
After a biopsy, doctors confirmed Keough had cancer, and after surgery to remove it, a second surgery was recommended to remove lymph nodes. It was at this point that they discovered the cancer had spread, reported Deadline.
"What we thought would be a one-time surgery became a full cancer battle. Jeana is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The treatments are relentless," Bosworth explained.
"She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished because the pain in her tongue and throat makes swallowing even the smallest bites or sips incredibly difficult."
With Keough going through cancer treatment, she has been unable to work, and it has "created an enormous financial burden" on her.
"Living across the country in Florida with young children has made Shane and me feel painfully helpless throughout much of this journey," Bosworth added. "With no direct flights between us, we've often wished we could simply be there to help with the everyday things that become overwhelming during cancer treatment. Now that I'm here in Orange County and seeing firsthand what she's facing, I realize even more how much support she needs--not just while I'm here, but after I return home," added Bosworth.
Jeana Keough was one of the original stars of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County when the reality series premiered in 2006.
According to Deadline, Keough was on the series for the first five seasons and has continued to make appearances throughout its run. She is featured in the premiere episode of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, which celebrates the franchise's 20th anniversary.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to see anyone, especially a familiar face from TV, go through such a tough battle. The medical costs must be astronomical. Makes you think about how important insurance and savings are.
This is so unfortunate. Even in a country like the US, treatment can be financially draining and they have to rely on crowdfunding. In India, we have our own struggles with healthcare costs but at least many government hospitals provide subsidized treatment. Strength to Jeana and her family.
Cancer doesn't discriminate—fame, money, none of it matters. I hope she gets through this. The fact that her daughter is doing a GoFundMe shows the real struggle families face.
It's painful to read about the difficulty in swallowing and malnutrition. That's the reality of cancer treatment. The emotional and physical toll on both patient and family is immense. My thoughts are with them. 🙏
I used to watch RHOC back in the day. Jeana was always such a strong, no-nonsense personality. It's shocking to see this happen to her. Wishing her strength and recovery. Also, a gentle reminder to everyone: don't ignore persistent mouth sores or pain—get checked early.
S Sarah B