Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Episode: An Update from Teddi
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Hosts: Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In the heartfelt episode titled "An Update from Teddi," hosts Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge pivot from their usual discussions about reality TV and pop culture to share a deeply personal and inspiring update about Teddi's ongoing health journey. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into Teddi’s battle with melanoma, her response to treatment, and the hopeful path forward.

2. Teddi’s Health Update

Teddi Mellencamp begins the conversation by sharing recent positive news from her medical team. She reveals that her latest scans show significant shrinking of her brain and lung tumors, with one tumor reducing to a nearly invisible size (03:17).

Key Highlights:

• Progress in Treatment: Teddi emphasizes the good news that her body's response to immunotherapy is strong, leading to tumor shrinkage.

  “This is really, really good news. I'm definitely so relieved.” (03:17)

• Ongoing Treatment Plan: She discusses the necessity of continuing immunotherapy for the next two years, with treatments administered every four weeks and quarterly scans to monitor her progress.

  “I do need to live on immunotherapy for the next two years. So every four weeks for the next two years, I have to come in and get that done.” (03:36)

• Emotional Impact: Teddi shares her emotional state, acknowledging feelings of relief tempered with the reality of an extended treatment regimen.

  “If I sound a little weird, it's because I'm in the middle of immunotherapy treatment right now.” (03:37)

3. Understanding Immunotherapy

Midway through the episode, Teddi introduces a guest—the doctor overseeing her treatment—who provides an expert explanation of immunotherapy and its role in cancer treatment.

Expert Insights:

• Mechanism of Action: The doctor explains that immunotherapy works by reigniting the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, offering a sustainable and durable response compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

  “Immunotherapy has been known for many years to work to cause the resolution of tumors.” (17:34)

• Side Effects and Management: He highlights the importance of specialized clinics that can manage the significant side effects associated with immunotherapy, ensuring personalized and effective care.

  “These drugs can cause significant and serious side effects. So a place that has expertise in it is what you should be looking for.” (17:33)

• Treatment Duration: The doctor discusses the rationale behind the two-year treatment plan, emphasizing that the duration is tailored based on evolving data and individual patient responses.

  “Everybody's different. So that's why they say, you know, like medicine is an art, you just have to remember...” (23:04)

4. Personal Reflections and Future Outlook

Teddi reflects on her treatment experience, expressing gratitude for the comprehensive care at Cedar’s Clinic, which offers a one-stop-shop approach for her cancer care. She shares optimism about the future, aiming to return fully to podcasting by June 1st despite the challenges posed by her treatment.

Notable Reflections:

• Comprehensive Care: Teddi praises the clinic’s integrated approach, which has been pivotal in her positive response to treatment.

  “Because at Cedar's clinic, there's everything in one spot. So because of that, they can do multiple treatments and figure out what works for you individually.” (05:38)

• Managing Side Effects: She candidly discusses the side effects of her current medications and the plan to rotate medications to mitigate these effects over time.

  “You're still be on the three medications, but then it rotates and you'll be on two medications and your body starts to become more immune to it, so you don't get as sick.” (06:09)

• Support System: Teddi expresses heartfelt gratitude towards her support network, including family and medical staff, for their unwavering support during her treatment.

  “I'm really grateful to Cam and to Dolores and everybody.” (09:43)

5. Encouraging Hope and Awareness

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with Teddi sharing statistics about melanoma survival rates and encouraging listeners to stay informed and proactive about their health. She also promotes the upcoming 15th Annual Los Angeles Melanoma Symposium as a resource for those seeking more information.

Inspiring Statistics:

• Survival Rates: The doctor shares uplifting statistics, noting a significant increase in survival rates for melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy.

  “We've shown that they can cross into the brain and control and resolve disease that's in the brain... five-year survivals with patients with brain metastases somewhere 40 to 50%.” (23:58)

• Long-Term Outlook: Achieving three years without cancer recurrence offers a 95% chance of long-term remission, providing a strong incentive for continued treatment adherence.

  “If you make it to three years without having anything grow or come back, you're golden about 95% of the time.” (23:58)

6. Conclusion

Teddi and Tamra wrap up the episode by reiterating the good news and the importance of ongoing support and self-care. Teddi anticipates rejoining the podcast full-time in June, looking forward to sharing more positive updates with their audience.

“We did it. Looks like we made it.” (10:44)

Key Takeaways

• Positive Treatment Response: Teddi’s tumors are significantly shrinking due to effective immunotherapy.
• Comprehensive Care is Crucial: Access to specialized clinics that offer integrated treatment options can greatly enhance patient outcomes.
• Hopeful Prognosis: With adherence to the treatment plan, Teddi has a strong chance of long-term remission.
• Community and Support: The support from family, friends, and medical staff plays a vital role in the healing process.
• Raising Awareness: Sharing personal health journeys can inspire and inform others facing similar challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Teddi Mellencamp:

  “This is really, really good news. I'm definitely so relieved.” (03:17)
  “Do I sound a little weird, it's because I'm in the middle of immunotherapy treatment right now.” (03:37)

• Doctor:

  “These drugs can cause significant and serious side effects. So a place that has expertise in it is what you should be looking for.” (17:33)
  “If you make it to three years without having anything grow or come back, you're golden about 95% of the time.” (23:58)

• Teddi Mellencamp:

  “Because at Cedar's clinic, there's everything in one spot. So because of that, they can do multiple treatments and figure out what works for you individually.” (05:38)
  “I'm really grateful to Cam and to Dolores and everybody.” (09:43)

This episode of "Two Ts In A Pod" stands out as a powerful testament to resilience, the advancements in medical treatments, and the unyielding support of loved ones. Teddi Mellencamp's courageous sharing serves not only as an update but also as an inspiration to listeners navigating their own health battles.