Former RHOC Star Jeana Keough Battling Tongue Cancer After Diagnosis

Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, her daughter Kara Keough revealed in a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover treatment-related expenses.

Kara shared that her mother had lived with a painful sore on her tongue for nearly a year, believing it was caused by a tooth rubbing against it. A biopsy later confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Since then, Jeana has undergone two surgeries—one to remove the tumor and another to remove lymph nodes—but doctors discovered the cancer had spread.

The 70-year-old is now undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Kara described the treatments as physically draining, saying her mother struggles with severe pain that makes eating and drinking difficult, leaving her exhausted and at risk of malnutrition.

Because treatment has prevented Jeana from working her commission-based job, the family launched a GoFundMe to help cover living expenses, nutrition, and additional support during her recovery. Kara said she and her brothers want to ensure their mother feels cared for throughout her cancer battle.

Keough was an original cast member of The Real Housewives of Orange County, appearing on the Bravo reality series from 2006 to 2010.