RHOC alum Jeana Keough, 70, diagnosed with rare form of cancer

Jeana Keough was diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer and has undergone two surgeries. 

The reality star's daughter Kara revealed that Keough, 70, had been battling cancer in a GoFundMe page requesting donations to help cover her treatments. 

The Real Housewives of Orange County star, who once said she was the original housewife that inspired the Bravo franchise, was diagnosed after complaining about a sore on her tongue.  

'A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,' her daughter Kara, 37, wrote.

'She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down,' she added.

She also recalled she asked her mother how long the sore had been on her tongue and bothering her, to which Keough had 'paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year. 

'A biopsy confirmed our worst fear: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue,' she continued.

Kara also said Keough underwent two surgeries since then - one to remove the cancer and another to 'remove lymph nodes.' 

However, the second surgery resulted in doctors coming back to Keough to inform her that they discovered the spread of the cancer. 

'What we thought would be a one-time surgery became a full cancer battle,' Kara explained. 

'Jeana is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy,' her daughter wrote before describing the treatments as 'relentless.' 

'She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished because the pain in her tongue and throat makes swallowing even the smallest bites or sips incredibly difficult,' she continued. 

'Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment.' 

Kara also said that due to the treatments, her mother has been unable to work and had to stop her commission-based job. 

Because of the loss of income, she said they were struggling to pay for the cancer treatments. 

Kara explained that she and her partner Kyle Bosworth are unable to help much as they live on the other side of the country with three young children. 

'We've often wished we could simply be there to help with the everyday things that become overwhelming during cancer treatment,' Kara wrote. 

While visiting her mother and 'seeing firsthand what she's facing,' Kara added: 'I realize even more how much support she needs - not just while I'm here, but after I return home. 

'My brothers [Shane and Colton] and I want to help make sure Mom feels cared for, loved, and supported throughout this fight,' she continued. 

Kara said the donations will go toward 'expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and the additional support she needs while undergoing treatment' and 'remind her that she is not fighting this battle alone.' 

Kara organized the GoFundMe page on Sunday, and in just six hours, over $23,000 was raised for Jeana's 'ongoing need' for 'monthly support' out of a $26,000 goal. 

A slew of supporters made donations, including several notable names. 

Among the supporters were film producer Regina Manian, actor Mark Hammond and fellow housewives Tamra Judge and Victoria Gunvalson. 

Keough has spent years in front of the camera.

As an actress, she has numerous credits under her name - including an appearance on an episode of Cheers.  

Keough then became one of the first stars of The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2005. 

The Bravolebrity - whose introductory catchphrases included 'Money is a girl's best friend, and I love friends' - was a member of the show's main cast from season one to five.

She returned for various appearances on the show after departing the core cast.