“Real Housewives of Orange County” alum Jeana Keough’s kids shared an encouraging update after it was revealed she was battling tongue cancer.
“She’s strong through this,” the former reality star’s son Shane told Us Weekly in an interview published Monday.
“She’s got a good support network down there,” he continued, referring to her Southern California community.
“Colton, our younger brother, is there [too],” Shane, who lives in Florida, continued. “So she’s on the right path.”
“But you know, it’s tough for everybody, and we’re just trying to make sure she stays on her program so she’s strong when this is done,” he added.
As for Keough’s daughter, Kara, she’s optimistic about the matriarch’s ongoing treatment plan.
“I think she’ll get cancer to bend to her will, like she does with everything else in life,” Kara, who is also based in Florida, told the outlet. “We’re choosing to stay in that mindset.”
Keough’s kids gave an update on her cancer battle one day after revealing her diagnosis via a GoFundMe page requesting donations to support the Bravo alum while she undergoes treatment.
“A few months ago, while visiting [my brother] Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote on the page.
“She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down,” Kara continued, explaining that Keough went to get the spot tested and a biopsy confirmed it was “squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.”
Keough has already undergone surgeries to remove the cancer and another to “remove lymph nodes.” After the second procedure, doctors noticed the cancer had spread.
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“The treatments are relentless,” Kara explained. “She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished because the pain in her tongue and throat makes swallowing even the smallest bites or sips incredibly difficult. Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment.”
Additionally, Kara shared how Keough, who is on her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, has been unable to work her commission-based job. Since Sunday, she’s raised the fundraising GoFundMe goal from $22,000 to $90,000.
Among the many donors has been Bravo head honcho Andy Cohen, who contributed $5,000.
Keough has also received love and support from fellow “RHOC” castmates, including Vicki Gunvalson, who wrote via Instagram Sunday, “By now, most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer.”
Gunvalson, who included photos of Keough throughout the years, urged fans to donate and to pray for her pal.
Jeana, you have been there for so many people through your life, now it’s our turn to be there for you! We love you girl,” she wrote.
“RHOC” star Tamra Judge also penned a special tribute, writing, “We love you, Momma Jeana. ❤️ Keeping you in our prayers every step of the way.”
