Jeana Keough’s Kids Share Cancer Update as Vicki Steps In Again

Jeana Keough is receiving an outpouring of support after her children revealed that the former “Real Housewives of Orange County” star has been diagnosed with tongue cancer and is undergoing intensive treatment.

On July 19, Jeana’s older children, Kara and Shane, shared an emotional Instagram post explaining that their mother, 70, has been facing “one of the most painful and vulnerable seasons of her life.” Jeana also shares son Colton with her late husband, Matt Keough.

“Everyone who knows her knows this: she’s almost impossibly optimistic in the face of terrifying things — wildfires, cancer, uncertainty,” the siblings wrote. “Yet somehow she’s always been afraid of the simplest thing: being vulnerable enough to ask for help.”

Jeana Keough’s Family Says Her Cancer Spread After Surgery

In a GoFundMe created to help with medical expenses, Kara shared more details about her mother’s diagnosis.

According to the fundraiser, Jeana sought medical attention after noticing a painful spot on her tongue. A biopsy confirmed she had squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

“After surgery to remove the cancer, we were hopeful that the hardest part was behind her,” Kara wrote. “But when doctors recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes, they discovered the cancer had spread.”

Kara said Jeana is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, describing the treatments as relentless.

“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,” she explained. “Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment.”

Because the treatments have left her unable to work, Kara said the financial burden has become overwhelming for the family.

Vicki Gunvalson Is Once Again Supporting Jeana

Among the many people who have donated to help Jeana is fellow “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum Vicki Gunvalson.

Bravo fans may remember this isn’t the first time Vicki has stepped up for the Keough family during a crisis.

After Kara tragically lost her son during childbirth in 2020, travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for Jeana to be with her daughter in Florida.

Speaking to Us Weekly in 2021, Jeana recalled Kara telling her, “I don’t want to lose you and the baby. So you’re not flying here until we know for sure it’s safe.”

According to Jeana, Vicki immediately came up with another plan.

“So Vicki said, ‘Get your bags packed. I’m picking you up. We’re driving to Florida.'”

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About Perry Carpenter

Perry Carpenter has been covering entertainment news for more than 20 years — and yes, she absolutely has opinions about the latest Bravo casting shake-ups. Throughout her career, she has specialized in celebrity news and television, with a particular obsession for all things Bravo, "The Challenge," "Outlander," of course, Travis & Taylor, and the ever-expanding Taylor Sheridan universe. A member of the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors, Perry has built a storied freelance career covering pop culture's biggest moments and smallest Easter eggs. Her work has appeared in Showbiz Cheatsheet, Daily Express, Radar Online, and on her Muck Rack profile.