Jeana Keough tongue cancer battle leaves her unable to speak
Jeana Keough’s daughter says the RHOC alum is not talking as radiation pain, a blood clot and infection complicate her cancer treatment.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Jeana Keough’s tongue cancer battle has reached a painful new point, with her daughter Kara Bosworth saying the former “Real Housewives of Orange County” cast member is currently not talking because of severe tongue and throat pain.
Bosworth shared the update on Instagram on Monday, writing that radiation in the area has left her mother dealing with intense pain and mucus. According to Bosworth, Keough has been spitting into tissues throughout the day while she pushes through treatment.
The update comes after Bosworth revealed earlier this month that Keough had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. TMZ reported that the diagnosis followed nearly a year of pain from a spot on Keough’s tongue.
What happened to Jeana Keough?
According to Bosworth, Keough first thought a tooth was irritating her tongue and went to the dentist multiple times to have it filed down. A biopsy later showed it was cancer, and TMZ reported the disease had already spread by the time doctors confirmed the diagnosis.
Keough has since had two operations, including surgery to remove lymph nodes, according to TMZ. She has also been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for more than a month.
Bosworth’s latest update described a rough stretch in that treatment. Doctors found a deep vein thrombosis blood clot and an infection in Keough’s leg, leading to a temporary pause in chemotherapy and radiation while the medical team dealt with those complications, according to her daughter.
Why was Jeana Keough’s feeding tube delayed?
Keough had been expected to receive a feeding tube after going nearly two weeks without eating a full meal, TMZ reported. Bosworth said that plan was delayed because of the leg infection.
A feeding tube is used when someone cannot take in enough food by mouth. In Keough’s case, the delay means doctors first had to address the infection before moving ahead with that support, according to Bosworth’s account.
Keough became known to Bravo viewers as one of the original faces of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Her health updates in recent weeks have come largely through Bosworth, who has described the diagnosis, surgeries and treatment setbacks on social media.
Despite the pain and delays, Keough’s children say she is still determined to keep fighting, according to TMZ. Bosworth’s Monday post made clear the day-to-day toll has been severe, especially as radiation side effects continue to hit her mother’s mouth and throat.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.