Jeana Keough, a cast member on Bravo's "Real Housewives of Orange County," is currently unable to speak due to the side effects of her tongue cancer treatment, according to her daughter Kara Bosworth. Bosworth shared an update on her mother's health via Instagram Stories, stating that the pain and mucus from radiation treatments are "brutal."
Keough, 70, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue after complaining of a painful spot for nearly a year. She has undergone multiple surgeries to remove the cancer and her lymph nodes. Her treatment regimen includes chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, which have left her exhausted and malnourished.
"Right now, Jeana isn't talking," Bosworth said. "The tongue and throat pain, paired with the mucus from radiation on the area, is just brutal. Poor mama has to spit into tissues all day."
To address the difficulty in eating and drinking, Keough was slated to receive a feeding tube. However, doctors initially postponed the procedure due to the discovery of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in her leg. Following clearance, she received a PEG feeding tube to ensure she receives necessary nutrition and hydration.
Bosworth also noted that the loss of income due to Keough's inability to work has created a significant financial burden. She has detailed her mother's health journey on a GoFundMe fundraiser.
In recent updates, Bosworth mentioned that Keough had experienced a complication with an infection but was recovering and able to continue her treatment. She described providing her mother with a "full spa treatment" at the hospital, including washing her hair and shaving her legs. While still weak with limited mobility, the family is hopeful that with adequate nutrition, Keough will regain her strength. Bosworth expressed gratitude for the support received from fans and loved ones.