Jeana Keough, a pioneering cast member of The Real Housewives of Orange County, is currently engaged in a challenging fight against a rare form of tongue cancer. The 70-year-old reality television personality has undergone multiple surgeries and is now in the midst of aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
The diagnosis came after Keough experienced a persistent sore on her tongue. Initially, she attributed the discomfort to a dental issue, having her teeth filed down multiple times by her dentist. However, the sore continued to bother her for nearly a year before a biopsy confirmed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. This revelation marked the beginning of what has become a significant health battle.
Following the diagnosis, Keough underwent two surgical procedures. The first aimed to remove the cancerous tumor, while the second focused on removing affected lymph nodes. Unfortunately, during the second surgery, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread, transforming what was initially anticipated as a single operation into a comprehensive fight against the disease.
Intensive Treatment Regimen
Keough is now in her fifth week of a rigorous treatment plan. Her daughter, Kara, who created a GoFundMe page to support her mother, described the regimen as “relentless.” The combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy is taking a significant toll on Keough. She is reportedly experiencing extreme exhaustion, struggling to stay awake, and facing challenges with nutrition and hydration.
The pain in her tongue and throat makes even the smallest sips of liquid or bites of food incredibly difficult, leading to malnutrition. Kara highlighted the daily struggle her mother faces simply to maintain enough energy to continue her treatment. “Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment,” Kara stated on the fundraising page.
Impact on Daily Life and Financial Strain
The demanding nature of Keough’s cancer treatment has had a profound impact on her ability to work. As her income is commission-based, she has been forced to stop working entirely. This loss of income, coupled with the mounting medical expenses, has created a significant financial strain for Keough and her family.
Kara, along with her partner Kyle Bosworth, is unable to provide extensive in-person support as they live across the country and are raising three young children. While they wish they could be more present to assist with the daily tasks that become overwhelming during cancer treatment, their geographical distance presents a challenge. Kara expressed a desire to help with everyday needs and provide comfort, noting that seeing her mother’s struggle firsthand has amplified the need for support.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
To help alleviate the financial burden and provide Keough with the necessary support, Kara organized a GoFundMe campaign. The page aims to raise funds for Keough’s medical expenses, daily living costs, nutritional needs, and additional support required during her treatment. The goal is to ensure Keough feels loved and supported throughout her fight, reminding her that she is not facing this battle alone.
The response to the fundraising effort has been swift and generous. Within six hours of its launch, the campaign had already raised over $23,000 towards its $26,000 goal. A notable number of supporters have contributed, including several well-known figures. Among the donors are film producer Regina Manian, actor Mark Hammond, and fellow Real Housewives stars Tamra Judge and Victoria Gunvalson, demonstrating a strong show of solidarity from Keough’s community.
Jeana Keough’s Career
Jeana Keough has a long history in entertainment. Before her reality television fame, she had an acting career with credits including an appearance on the popular sitcom Cheers. In 2005, she became one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of Orange County, helping to establish the franchise. Known for her memorable catchphrases, Keough was a main cast member for the show’s first five seasons and has made subsequent guest appearances, cementing her status as a beloved Bravolebrity.
Her journey through this health crisis highlights the significant challenges faced by individuals battling rare cancers, underscoring the importance of medical advancements, dedicated care teams, and robust community support systems. The outpouring of donations and well wishes reflects the impact Keough has had on her fans and peers.
