Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling posted a message on Instagram that resonated with her followers.
In a year that has oscillated between personal triumphs and great challenges, Mel has gained a new perspective on the preciousness of life following her own cancer surgery.
As 2023 came to a close, Schilling reflected on her experience and shared that even though she doesn't typically engage in New Year's resolutions, the events of the past year have led her to a different perspective.
She expressed her gratitude for the support and welcome she received from the people of the United Kingdom and Ireland who made her feel at home away from Australia.
“I have been so touched by the warmth and generosity that the people of the UK and Ireland have shown me. I felt so welcome by all of you and I am so grateful for that,” she wrote.
Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling posted a message on Instagram that resonated with her followers
“Although I will always be a proud Australian, I feel like an honorary Brit and the UK truly feels like home.”
However, her narrative takes a dark turn as she reveals the “life-changing low points” that have overshadowed her year.
She recounted the personal tragedy of losing her brother-in-law at just 35 years old, a preventable loss that highlighted the preciousness of health and life.
In a year that has oscillated between personal triumphs and great challenges, Mel has gained a new perspective on the preciousness of life following her own cancer surgery
“I have been so touched by the warmth and generosity that the people of the UK and Ireland have shown me. I felt so welcome by all of you and I am so grateful for that,” she wrote
“The tragedy of his death was that it could have been prevented. “If he and all of us had heeded the health warnings, he would still be with us,” she said.
“The terrible irony is that six months later I, too, put my health at risk in pursuit of my goals and it almost cost me my life. It’s not a mistake I want to repeat.”
“Although my cancer journey is not over and there are some difficult challenges ahead, I am so incredibly grateful to have been given this second chance, a second chance that is denied to so many.”
Mel recently revealed that her tumor – which she called “Terry” – had been removed by British doctors.
“So yesterday afternoon I had keyhole surgery to remove my tumor (aka Terry) and in the words of my amazing surgeon, it couldn't have gone better!” Mel wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.
“Although my cancer journey is not over and there are some difficult challenges ahead, I am so incredibly grateful to have been given this second chance, a second chance that is denied to so many.”
She accompanied her post with a photo of the TV star in a hospital bed giving a thumbs up with a tube up his nose.
Mel added: “Crucially, the cancer had not spread to my abdominal cavity, which was our biggest fear, but was entirely located in my colon.”
“In the coming days I will discuss my treatment plan going forward, but suffice it to say Terry is great!”
Mel then revealed that her treatment had taken place in London and went on to praise Britain's National Health Service (NHS).
“I also wanted to say that everyone in the UK should be incredibly proud of the people of the NHS.”
She added: “The NHS is a unique, valuable institution, we must ensure it serves our children and our children’s children.”
Symptoms of colon cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer may include:
- A change in bowel habits, such as: B. more frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Persistent discomfort in the abdominal area, such as cramps, bloating or pain
- The feeling that the intestines are not completely emptied during bowel movements
- weakness or tiredness
- Lose weight without trying
Many people with colon cancer initially have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they will likely depend on the size of the cancer and its location in the colon.
Source: Mayo Clinic
“Now it's time to focus on getting my ass out of here in time for Christmas,” the reality TV host concluded.
Mel, who appears in the UK and Australian versions of the show, first revealed she has bowel cancer in an Instagram post last week.
In her post, Mel said she received the diagnosis just a month after she felt stomach pains while filming the upcoming eleventh season of MAFS Australia.
Despite her heartbreaking situation, Mel said she feels “incredibly blessed” as her cancer was “relatively easy to eradicate”.
Mel (right, with MAFS Australia experts Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken) first revealed she has colon cancer in an Instagram post last week
The most common symptoms of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, anal or rectal pain, lumps, unexpected weight loss, fatigue and anemia.
Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of cancer start screening around the age of 45.
Those at higher risk should start screening earlier.
Treatment for colon cancer usually involves surgical removal of the cancer.
Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended.