“Real Housewives” Alum Jeana Keough Is in ‘Wincing Pain’ as She Struggles with Radiation Burns from Tongue Cancer Treatment

Jeana Keough, known for her appearances on “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” is currently facing significant challenges as she undergoes treatment for cancer. The 70-year-old reality star recently completed her final radiation therapy but is now grappling with severe side effects, particularly intense pain from radiation burns, as she continues her recovery journey at home.

Her daughter, Kara Keough Bosworth, has been proactive in providing updates on her mother’s condition, sharing both the struggles and small victories that have emerged during this difficult time. In a recent update on a GoFundMe page established to assist with Jeana’s medical expenses, Kara noted her mother’s ongoing battle with the physical toll of cancer treatment.

Kara highlighted the expected tough days ahead, stating, “We were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically, as the chemotherapy and radiation compound, leaving her body at its weakest point.” She described how the radiation burns have spread to the outer layer of Jeana’s neck, making even the application of medicated cream a painful experience.

In addition to the discomfort, Kara detailed the challenges Jeana has faced concerning nutrition. Jeana was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue after she identified a painful lesion, which subsequently made swallowing extremely difficult. Kara explained that her mother’s battle with malnourishment is ongoing, as even small sips or bites can cause considerable pain. Nevertheless, she shared a moment of hope, mentioning that Jeana has managed to drink a sip of water, a crucial step in maintaining her swallowing function.

Despite the pain, Kara reported that they have found a way to manage Jeana’s nutrition through a feeding tube, asserting that she has stopped losing weight. “We’re rocking and rolling with the feeding tube,” Kara remarked, indicating that her mother can even be fed while sleeping. Each small gain becomes a significant win for the family amid the grim circumstances.

Kara has also urged the community for continued prayers, expressing a desire for her mother’s famous appetite to return and for the immunotherapy treatment to be successful. “She shocks doctors with the speed of her healing,” Kara noted optimistically, while also hoping that Jeana can regain her ability to speak comfortably in the near future.

The family had previously shared that what initially began as a routine surgery escalated into a more complex cancer battle when doctors found that the cancer had metastasised. They reflected on Jeana’s resilience, mentioning her optimistic spirit in the face of adversity – whether it be wildfires or cancer.

In addition to providing updates on her mother’s condition, Kara has emphasised the importance of support during this journey. “Everyone who knows her understands that she’s almost impossibly optimistic, yet she has always struggled with the vulnerability of asking for help,” she shared in an emotional social media post.

As the family navigates this challenging period, they remain steadfast in their hope for Jeana’s recovery, focusing on the small victories that offer a glimmer of hope amid the hardship. Jeana Keough’s journey is not just a testament to the battles that cancer patients face, but also a reflection of the strength and determination that family support can bring during times of uncertainty.