EXCLUSIVE: Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling has opened up to OK! about her colon cancer and revealed a joyful update on her battle following chemotherapy
Married At First Sight’s Mel Schilling has revealed that she’s officially in remission from colon cancer, a year after her initial diagnosis. The 52 year old reality TV star opened up to OK! about her health journey and the relief of recovery following a tough stint of chemotherapy that finished last July.
In an exclusive heart-to-heart, Mel shared how she’s feeling “strong and healthy” and recounted the unforgettable moment she learned her cancer was in remission. She said: “I was spending some time in Australia and went to see a local oncologist, who had my scans. He was so positive and told me the cancer was in remission, which was a surprise. My sister was there with me and we both just couldn’t believe it. We went back home and popped open a bottle of champagne, while dancing around our apartment.”
Admitting it felt as though a burden had been lifted, Mel explained: “When I was told I was in remission, it was like my shoulders dropped and I finally allowed myself to feel it. It’s like I’d been holding my breath for a year, telling myself, ‘It’s going to be OK, it’s going to be OK’ – and now I could finally just breathe.”
Throughout her battle with cancer, Mel has found unwavering support from her husband Gareth Brisbane and their daughter Maddie, aged 10. Reflecting on sharing the wonderful news with her spouse, Mel continued, “I called Gareth to tell him and he just burst into tears. We both did, it was amazing and emotional.”, reports the Mirror.
While Mel’s daughter, Maddie, was a pillar of strength for her, she confesses that she didn’t reveal the full extent of her cancer to the young girl, but did explain ‘enough’. Mel shared: “Maddie understood enough, when I was having chemo and she knew I’d be very emotional in the days following it. I’d have a lot of tears and difficulty walking at times. So she was definitely aware.”
Mel’s diagnosis came after experiencing severe stomach pain and being unable to eat or use the toilet. After two misdiagnoses of constipation, she was finally given the heartbreaking news of stage three colon cancer.
Despite continuing to work and appear on MAFS during her treatment, Mel admits she wasn’t operating at full capacity and didn’t feel quite herself on set.
But now, she is happy, healthy and eager to makeup for lost time, as she laughs, “The new MAFS cast better watch out because I’m back, baby.”