Jeana Keough Diagnosed With Tongue Cancer as Daughter Launches Fundraiser Amid Intensive Treatment

Former “The Real Housewives of Orange County” star Jeana Keough has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, with her family revealing that the cancer has spread despite multiple surgeries.

The heartbreaking update was shared by Keough’s daughter, Kara Keough Bosworth, who created an online fundraiser to help cover her mother’s medical and living expenses while she undergoes intensive treatment.

A Tongue Sore That Turned Into a Cancer Diagnosis

According to Kara, the health scare began several months ago while Jeana was visiting family in Florida. During the trip, the former reality TV star mentioned a painful sore on her tongue that she believed had been caused by a tooth rubbing against it.

She reportedly visited the dentist several times to have the tooth adjusted, assuming it would solve the problem.

However, when Kara asked how long the sore had been present, Jeana realized it had actually been there for nearly a year.

A biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common forms of oral cancer.

Cancer Spread After Two Surgeries

Following the diagnosis, Jeana underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from her tongue.

She later had a second operation to remove nearby lymph nodes as doctors evaluated whether the disease had spread.

Unfortunately, medical examinations after the second procedure revealed that the cancer had already spread, turning what initially appeared to be a single surgery into a much longer and more difficult fight.

Undergoing Chemotherapy, Radiation and Immunotherapy

Kara revealed that her mother is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.

The treatments have reportedly taken a severe physical toll.

According to her daughter, Jeana has become extremely fatigued and struggles to remain awake for long periods. The pain affecting her tongue and throat has also made swallowing food and even drinking water increasingly difficult, leaving her at risk of malnutrition while continuing treatment.

Her family says maintaining proper nutrition and hydration has become one of the biggest daily challenges during her recovery.

Medical Battle Creates Financial Strain

Beyond the physical effects of treatment, the diagnosis has also created financial hardship for the former television personality.

Jeana reportedly works in a commission-based profession, making it difficult to earn income while undergoing continuous cancer treatment.

Because of this, Kara launched a fundraising campaign to help cover:

• Medical-related expenses
• Everyday living costs
• Nutritional support
• Additional care needed during treatment

At the time the campaign details were shared publicly, approximately $4,700 had been raised toward a $22,000 goal.

Family Says Distance Makes Supporting Jeana More Difficult

Kara explained that she and her husband, Kyle Bosworth, live across the country with their three young children, making it difficult to be physically present every day.

She said visiting her mother in Orange County allowed her to see firsthand just how demanding the treatment process has become.

Kara added that she and her brothers, Shane and Colton, want to ensure their mother continues receiving the emotional and practical support she needs throughout her cancer battle, even after family members return home.

One of RHOC’s Original Cast Members

Jeana Keough became a familiar face to Bravo viewers as one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

She appeared on the reality series from 2006 to 2010, helping establish the franchise during its early years before leaving after five seasons.

Her health update has since drawn an outpouring of support from fans following news of her diagnosis.

As Jeana continues chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, her family remains hopeful while asking for continued support during what they describe as a long and challenging road to recovery.