Former 'RHOC' Star Jeana Keough, 70, Battling Tongue Cancer After Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis
Key Insights
Jeana Keough, 70, former star of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (search) after a painful spot persisted for nearly a year.
Following two surgeries to remove the cancer and affected lymph nodes, doctors discovered the cancer had spread, escalating treatment to chemotherapy (search), radiation, and immunotherapy (search).
Keough is now in her fifth week of treatment and is experiencing severe side effects including exhaustion, malnutrition, and difficulty swallowing due to pain in her tongue and throat.
Jeana Keough, a 70-year-old former cast member of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Orange County," is currently battling tongue cancer, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by her daughter, Kara Bosworth. The diagnosis, confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (search), has led to an intensive treatment regimen following the discovery that the cancer had spread beyond the initial site.
The ordeal began when Keough noticed a painful spot on her tongue. She initially assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and visited a dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. When her daughter Kara asked how long the sore had been present, Keough "paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year."
Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention
A biopsy subsequently confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (search). Keough underwent two surgeries: one to remove the cancerous tissue from her tongue and a second to remove lymph nodes. However, following the second procedure, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread, transforming what the family had anticipated as a one-time surgical intervention into a more extensive oncological battle.
Treatment Course and Side Effects
Keough is now in her fifth week of a combined treatment protocol that includes chemotherapy (search), radiation, and immunotherapy (search). Kara Bosworth described the treatments as "relentless," noting that her mother "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."
The severity of the treatment-related toxicities has made maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration a daily challenge. Kara emphasized that "every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment."
Financial Impact and Fundraising Efforts
Keough, who works in a commission-based role, has been unable to work during her treatment, resulting in a significant loss of income. In response, Kara launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and additional support needed during treatment.
As of publication, the campaign had raised $4,700 toward its $22,000 goal. Kara noted that she and her partner, Kyle Bosworth, live across the country with three young children, limiting their ability to provide in-person assistance. She is currently visiting Keough in Orange County and stated, "I realize even more how much support she needs — not just while I'm here, but after I return home."
Keough was an original cast member of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," appearing on the series for five seasons from 2006 to 2010. She was recently seen on the first episode of "The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th."