Former reality television personality Jeana Keough, known for her role on The Real Housewives of Orange County, is currently undergoing treatment for a rare form of tongue cancer. The 70-year-old has already faced two surgeries and is now in her fifth week of a rigorous treatment regimen that includes chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
Keough’s daughter, Kara Sterling, revealed the diagnosis on a GoFundMe page established to help cover her mother’s medical expenses. Sterling explained that the issue began several months ago when Keough mentioned a persistent sore on her tongue during a visit to Florida. Initially, Keough attributed the discomfort to a tooth rubbing against her tongue and sought dental treatment, having her teeth filed down multiple times. However, the sore persisted for nearly a year.
A biopsy eventually confirmed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, a rare and aggressive cancer. This led to Keough undergoing two surgeries. The first procedure aimed to remove the cancerous tumor. The second surgery was performed to remove lymph nodes, a common step in cancer treatment to check for and prevent the spread of the disease.
Cancer Progression and Current Battle
Tragically, the second surgery revealed that the cancer had spread, transforming what was initially anticipated as a single surgical intervention into a full-blown cancer battle. Sterling described the ongoing treatments as “relentless.” Keough is reportedly exhausted, struggling with fatigue, and experiencing malnutrition due to the pain in her tongue and throat, which makes even swallowing small amounts of food or liquids extremely difficult. Her daughter emphasized the daily struggle her mother faces simply to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration to continue her treatment.
Financial and Emotional Support
The demanding nature of Keough’s treatment has significantly impacted her ability to work. As her income is commission-based, she has had to halt her professional activities, leading to a loss of earnings. Sterling and her partner, Kyle Bosworth, who live across the country with their three young children, are unable to provide extensive day-to-day assistance. This situation prompted Sterling to create the GoFundMe campaign to gather financial support for her mother.
The donations are intended to cover a range of needs, including general expenses, daily living costs, nutritional support, and additional assistance required during her treatment period. Sterling expressed a desire to ensure her mother feels loved and supported throughout this challenging fight, stating, “We want to help make sure Mom feels cared for, loved, and supported throughout this fight.” She also hopes the campaign will serve as a reminder that Keough is not facing this battle alone.
The GoFundMe page, launched on a Sunday, saw an impressive response. Within six hours, it had raised over $23,000 towards a $26,000 goal for Keough’s ongoing needs. The fundraising effort attracted donations from various supporters, including notable figures such as film producer Regina Manian, actor Mark Hammond, and fellow reality stars Tamra Judge and Victoria Gunvalson.
Jeana Keough’s Career
Jeana Keough has a notable history in entertainment, predating her reality television fame. She had acting 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, a role that cemented her public profile. Her tenure on the show spanned from its first season through its fifth, and she has made subsequent guest appearances. Her memorable presence and catchphrases contributed to the early success and identity of the Bravo franchise.
The outpouring of support underscores the public’s affection for Keough and the gravity of her health situation. As she continues her intensive treatment, the focus remains on her recovery and well-being, with friends, family, and fans rallying to provide both financial and emotional aid.
