Jeana Keough, the 70-year-old former star of Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County, is currently facing a difficult recovery following intensive treatments for tongue cancer. Keough, who appeared on the hit reality series for five seasons between 2006 and 2010, first shared her diagnosis last year after discovering a painful spot on her tongue that was later identified as squamous cell carcinoma.
The road to recovery has been arduous for the television personality. Her daughter, actress Kara Keough Bosworth, has been providing updates on her mother's health via social media, detailing the extensive medical interventions Keough has endured, including two surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The physical toll of these treatments has been significant, leaving Keough exhausted and struggling with the basic necessity of swallowing.
"She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished," Bosworth shared in a recent update. "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."
To assist with her nutritional needs, Keough has had a feeding tube inserted, which medical professionals anticipate she will require for the next two to six months. In an effort to alleviate the mounting financial burden of her medical care, the family has established a GoFundMe page. The community response has been substantial, with the campaign already surpassing $74,000 toward its $90,000 goal.
In a recent update posted to the fundraising page on July 31, Bosworth offered a glimmer of hope, noting that her mother has completed her chemotherapy regimen and is nearing the end of her radiation treatments. While the family remains optimistic about her recovery, they are also realistic about the long-term outlook. Bosworth acknowledged that the path forward remains an "uphill climb," noting that even with the completion of her current treatment plan, the prognosis for total healing over the next five years is estimated at 40-60%.
The outpouring of support from fans and followers has been a source of comfort for the Keough family. As Jeana Keough continues her recovery at home, her loved ones remain focused on ensuring she feels supported and cared for throughout this challenging chapter.