Photo: Paul Archuleta/Getty
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyaveis urging her followers to get “yearly skin checks” after a doctor removed a mole from her back.
TheReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar, 40, shared the reminder Thursdayin a candid Instagram postfeaturing an image of the Mellencamp with a bandage on her back.
In her post, which also included before and after photos of the mole’s removal, the Bravo personality thankedRHOBHcostarKyle Richardsfor sounding the alarm.
“This is a reminder to please go get your yearly skin checks,” Mellencamp begged in the caption. “I had been avoiding mine bc of my own anxiety for a very long time but when @kylerichards18 saw my back and it had changed colors again, she immediately took me to the doc who within minutes said it looks like melanoma and did a big removal.”
Mellencamp said she did her best “to stay present and positive” for filming on Thursday and is ultimately “grateful” to be busy, which she said helps her “keep my mind from racing as I await the results” of her tests.
“I find strength in being honest with you all and hope this helps others,” she continued. “Please let this be a reminder to take action on your own skin. Give me a 💕 if you have recently gotten a check or are booking one today.”
Mellencamp received a flood of support in the comment section of her post, including several messages from otherReal Housewivesfranchise stars.
“Surrounding you with love and prayers🙏,” wroteReal Housewives of DallasstarStephanie Hollman.
“Aww babe I’m so sorry!! Hang in there!! So lucky you got it off! Praying all will be negative!!” said Hollman’s fellowRHODstarKameron Westcott.
Real Housewives of New Jerseystar Margaret Josephs, on the other hand, shared a collection of emojis to express her thoughts: “🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️👧🏼.”
Meanwhile, Richards' daughter Alexia Simone Umansky sent “all my love” to her mother’s costar.
Actress Leah Lamarr also commented with, “Omg Teddi!!!! Love you!!! ❤️❤️❤️” while Mellencamp’s formerCelebrity Big BrothercostarChris Kattancommented three clapping hands emojis.
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When detected early, skin cancer has a 99% five-year survival rate, per the website. For melanoma, a form of skin cancer, the five-year survival rate in the U.S. is 93%.
Melanoma makes up about 6% of new cancer cases in men and 5% in women, the website says. However, most melanomas “arise on apparently normal skin” while only 20% to 30% “are found in existing moles.”
source: people.com
