‘MAFS’ Expert Mel Schilling Diagnosed With Colon Cancer Just Before Christmas
MAFS expert Mel Schilling has just been diagnosed with colon cancer.
The TV personality, 51, received the “tough” news last week and will sadly be spending Christmas Day in hospital rather than celebrating with her family.
She shared news of her diagnosis on Instagram alongside a photo of herself embracing her husband Gareth Brisbane and their daughter Madison.
“YOU HAVE CANCER. Three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear. Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words,” she said. “About a month ago when I was filming in Australia I developed severe stomach cramps on set, I put it down to all the travel I’d been doing and the upset it caused to my system.”
Mel explained that her Aussie GP thought she was constipated, so was given some laxatives and sent on her way. She had a niggling feeling that there was something else causing her cramps, so she went in for a scan when she was back in the UK.
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“On Thursday I was told I had colon cancer and in an instant my whole life changed. John Lennon famously said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, how right he was. This week I had planned to travel to Northern Ireland with my family to spend Christmas with loved ones. Instead tomorrow morning I’m checking into hospital to have an operation to remove a 5cm tumour in my colon, a tumour that had it gone undetected for much longer would have killed me,” she added.
Despite the shock diagnosis, the TV personality was still optimistic and said she feels “lucky” to have such a strong support network.
“I feel incredibly blessed that it’s a cancer that is relatively easy to eradicate, I’m expected to make a full recovery though it’s a rough road ahead… my own family and my TV family have been amazing [these] past few days,” she said. “It will be so tough to spend Xmas Day in hospital instead of being surrounded by family but getting rid of Terry (what I’ve named my tumour) will be the best present of all.”
Mel finished by encouraging her followers to follow their gut if something “doesn’t feel right” and push for answers because it could “save your life”.
Alessandra Rampolla, Mel Schilling and John Aiken on MAFS. Image credit: Channel 9, MAFS
MAFS contestants share support for Mel Schilling during her cancer battle.
The expert’s Instagram post was flooded with comments from past MAFS contestants, with Sarah Roza saying: “Ohh my gosh Mel what a shock opening my Instagram this morning and your post was the first one I saw! I am so sorry to hear this news but I also know that if anyone can beat cancer it’s you darling… Sending you so much love and strength right now, you’ve got this lady.”
“Sending you and your family love, you’ve got this Mel,” Domenica Calarco wrote.
“No! I’m so sorry to hear this Mel but if anyone can beat cancer it’s you! Sending you so much love and strength to both you and your family. You have an army supporting you,” Melinda Willis commented.
“Mel, sending so much love and prayers your way. I know you can beat this and please don’t be scared of the surgery and recovery process. I had my entire colon removed years ago due to disease and after recovering, came back full of life. I know you will too. Stay strong,” Melissa Walsh added.
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Image credits: Channel 9, MAFS, Instagram/@mel_schilling1