Jeana Keough is walking on coals on her journey to conquer cancer!
The “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum’s health battle was made public after her daughter, Kara Keough Bosworth, shared a crowdfunding page to raise funds for her. Keough had been diagnosed with a form of tongue cancer that had already spread before doctors could nip it in the bud.
Jeana Keough has been going through chemotherapy as well as other treatments that have left her weak. Through this journey, she has received support from family, friends, fans, and fellow “Real Housewives” stars.
Keough reportedly finished her last radiation treatment on August 5. Sounds like good news, as this marks a positive step in her treatment journey; however, this step is promised to be laced with pain. Her daughter sent an update to fans, saying that the next two weeks “will be the roughest on her physically.”
She explained that the physical turmoil her mom will go through in the coming weeks is largely due to the fact that “the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point.”
Kara revealed that the radiation burns have also made it to the TV star’s outer skin, making the area extra sensitive to touch. She noted that even putting much-needed medicated cream on the affected area “with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain.”
In addition to all these, the GoFundMe update disclosed that they have yet to find the perfect solution to her nausea to help prevent the painful vomiting Keough is experiencing due to the treatment.
The ‘Real Housewives Of Orange County’ Alum Has Marked A ‘Win’
Even though this might seem like a needle in a haystack, Keough was able to take “one sip of water” over the last two days, and that is a win. Kara noted that she was able to coerce her mom to take the sip because it ensures she does not lose her swallowing function.
The media personality has been eating through a feeding tube because the pain in her tongue and throat made swallowing food “incredibly difficult.” The realtor has been going through the excruciating pain head-on, refusing narcotics to help ease the discomfort.
Another win Kara shared is that her mom has stopped losing weight and can be fed through the tube while sleeping. The update also detailed the planned schedules, showing that the whole family is pitching in to support Keough during this tough time.
Kara requested that her mom be kept in the prayers of friends and fans for a speedy recovery, complete healing, and that she regain comfortable use of her tongue and throat.
‘RHOC’ Star Vicki Gunvalson Is Praying For Her ‘Incredible Friend’
In an August 9 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, Gunvalson shared an update on Keough’s battle with tongue cancer. The reality TV star said seeing her friend “going through it” with the chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments leaves them with no other option than to pray for her.
She previously showed support for Keough on social media, asking willing and able fans to donate to the Fundraiser Kara set up. Gunvalson also asked her fanbase to “lift her up in healing prayers” in the same Instagram post. Gunvalson’s post came shortly after Kara detailed how her mom got diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is a rare form of cancer, but it is the most common form of tongue cancer that occurs when cells on your tongue start to grow and divide uncontrollably. They discovered the painful truth after the realtor mentioned a painful spot on her tongue that had been there for nearly a year.
Other ‘Real Housewives’ Are Standing By The Bravo OG
Whether vocally or in a silent corner, Keough’s battles remain on the minds of many. Her former co-star Gina Kirschenheiter showed her support, noting that she is being careful not to pry.
“You know, she has so much she’s going through right now. The last thing she needs is another housewife, you know, poking around in her business,” The reality TV star said in an exclusive interview with US Weekly.
Kirschenheiter revealed that the last time she saw the realtor, she gave her “really big hugs” as her way of showing care and concern. She noted that her careful move does not mean she sits with folded hands without supporting her former co-star.
In her words, “I think that everyone rallies around, you know? Anyone who’s going through anything. It’s like a sisterhood. So we, our hearts go out to Jeana and her family, and you know, if she needs anything, we’re here for her.”
Jeana Keough Is Holding On To Hopes Of Full Recovery
Last month, The Blast shared Keough’s statement about her cancer battle. The reality TV star broke her silence in writing as she revealed that she has less than a 70% chance of coming out completely cancer-free despite the treatments.
She stated that she has a 40 to 60 percent chance of a cure within the next five years, but she is praying that she’s “on the good side of that coin flip.” Keough also revealed that although the end is in sight as concerns her treatment plan, there is still a lot of work to be done.
The Bravo alum will also remain on the feeding tube for two to six months to avoid malnutrition and dehydration. Besides the physical pain of the whole experience, Keough is hurt by the fact that she has to depend on her caregivers and has been ripped from her independent lifestyle. “I’m now like a newborn baby being fed by my caregivers every three hours,” the “RHOC” alum wrote.
