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- From a small sore to a shocking diagnosis: what happened
- Family alarmed: the Florida visit that changed everything
- Surgical response and the unexpected escalation
- Treatment plan: chemo, radiation and immunotherapy
- Daily life under treatment: pain, swelling and eating struggles
- Hospitalization and nutritional support
- Emotional support: family and a new relationship
- Prognosis and the hard numbers
- Lessons and warnings about oral cancer detection
- What she’s dealing with now
Jeana Keough says what began as a nagging tongue sore turned into a life-altering cancer fight. The former Real Housewives of Orange County star described the painful first symptom, a delayed diagnosis and swift surgeries as she navigates an intense course of treatment while temporarily unable to speak.
From a small sore to a shocking diagnosis: what happened
Keough first noticed irritation on her tongue last year. At first it seemed like a routine dental annoyance.
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Her longtime dentist believed a tooth was scraping the area. Over several visits, the tooth was filed down. No biopsy was recommended. No specialist was suggested.
It wasn’t until the third dental visit that she was referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. But the cost of the out-of-network biopsy was nearly $3,000. Jeana delayed testing until she could see an in-network doctor after a planned trip to Florida.
Family alarmed: the Florida visit that changed everything
While visiting her children in Florida, Keough casually mentioned she avoided spicy food because of tongue pain. Her daughter reacted sharply and demanded answers.
Kara insisted Jeana book a biopsy immediately upon returning home. Keough obeyed. At the ENT clinic, a quick exam led to an immediate biopsy. The result confirmed what they feared: cancer.
Surgical response and the unexpected escalation
Doctors removed the visible lesion on the tongue right away. The team had hoped the disease was localized and that lymph nodes would be spared.
However, scans showed a small, uncertain spot near the neck. To be safe, surgeons performed a neck dissection.
About 30 to 40 lymph nodes were removed during that procedure to check for any spread.
Treatment plan: chemo, radiation and immunotherapy
Keough’s post-surgical treatment has been aggressive.
- Radiation: five times per week.
- Chemotherapy: weekly infusions.
- Immunotherapy: administered as part of the regimen.
She says she’s close to the end of radiation and recently finished her final chemo session. Despite progress, the therapy brought severe side effects.
Daily life under treatment: pain, swelling and eating struggles
Cancer and treatment have left Keough with intense oral and facial inflammation. Her neck, mouth and head frequently feel hot and sore.
Speaking and swallowing are excruciating. She now gags and sometimes vomits when trying to swallow. The raw, inflamed tissue makes even small bites painful.
Hospitalization and nutritional support
Due to dehydration and malnutrition, Keough required a hospital stay. Doctors placed a gastric feeding tube to support nutrition.
The feeding tube is expected to remain for two to six months, depending on recovery and swallowing function.
Emotional support: family and a new relationship
Keough has leaned on loved ones. Her daughter’s insistence triggered the biopsy that led to diagnosis.
She also credits a new partner named Thomas, who became a source of steady support early in their relationship. His presence has been meaningful through major surgeries and treatment.
Thomas’s sister, a dentist, helped advocate for Keough and pushed for the care she needed after the earlier dental oversight.
Prognosis and the hard numbers
Keough shared the sobering statistics she faces. Her current chance of a cure in the next five years sits between 40 and 60 percent.
She called that outlook “upsetting” and said the family is praying she lands on the favorable side of the odds.
Lessons and warnings about oral cancer detection
Keough wants people to take mouth symptoms seriously. She urges patients to seek second opinions and to be persistent.
- Find a dentist you trust.
- If a lesion or sore persists, insist on a biopsy.
- Ask for in-network care if cost is a barrier.
- Advocate for referrals to ENT or oncology when symptoms don’t resolve.
What she’s dealing with now
Because of throat and tongue damage, she is temporarily unable to speak. Treatments continue while she recovers from surgeries and works to regain strength.
Her medical team monitors inflammation, infection risk and nutritional status closely. The recovery path will determine how soon she can resume normal eating and talking.
