Jeana Keough, 70, a star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, is detailing her ongoing battle with tongue cancer, asserting that her longtime dentist made a "huge mistake" by failing to recognize early signs of the disease. Keough reported that during multiple visits over the past year, her dentist attributed the persistent soreness in her tongue to a tooth "digging" into it, rather than referring her for a biopsy or to a specialist.
Keough stated that the dentist maintained the theory that her tooth was the cause of the painful sore. It was not until her third visit that she was referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. Due to insurance issues, the ENT's proposed biopsy would have cost nearly $3,000 out of pocket, a sum Keough could not afford, prompting her to seek an in-network specialist.
During a February trip to Florida to visit her children, Keough mentioned the tongue pain and her avoidance of spicy foods. Her daughter, Kara Bosworth, questioned why a lifelong tooth would suddenly cause pain, urging her mother to schedule a biopsy immediately upon returning to California. A doctor who examined Keough upon her return diagnosed cancer, which was later confirmed by a biopsy. This led to an immediate tongue dissection.
Initially, the surgical plan aimed to remove the cancerous spot, with hopes that the cancer was contained. However, scans revealed a small "glimmer" near Keough's neck, which her oncologist's staff determined could indicate a spread of the cancer. This led to a second surgery involving the removal of 30 to 40 lymph nodes in a neck dissection.
Keough is currently undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. She described the effects of radiation as the most challenging aspect, causing intense heat, pain, and soreness in her neck, mouth, and head. The resulting inflammation of her throat and tongue makes talking, swallowing, and breathing through her mouth extremely painful, leading to gagging and vomiting when she attempts to swallow. She expressed her distress, stating, "It’s upsetting to know that even after all this treatment, I still only have a 40 to 60 percent cure rate within the next five years."
Bosworth launched a GoFundMe to help cover Keough's medical expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and other support needed during treatment. She detailed her mother's health struggles in a statement on July 19, noting the painful spot on Keough's tongue had persisted for nearly a year before the squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis. The fundraiser faced online criticism, with some questioning the family's decision to solicit donations. Vicki Gunvalson, a fellow RHOC cast member, defended the GoFundMe, explaining that Keough's income from real estate stopped when her treatment began and that her rental properties in Florida have not yielded significant equity. Gunvalson added that Keough's pension and social security are insufficient to cover her rent and living expenses.
Bosworth addressed the backlash in a statement to the Daily Mail, expressing that she was not surprised by the negative reactions, having experienced similar hateful comments after the death of her newborn son. She clarified that the GoFundMe was initiated through her personal Instagram, reaching out to people who had offered to help. While acknowledging the media brought wider attention to her mother's cancer journey and mostly positive responses, she noted the presence of "haters." Bosworth stated that her mother remains focused on the positive aspects of her situation, choosing to ignore negativity and embrace the support from those who know her well.