Married At First Sight’s Mel Schilling has bravely opened up about her ongoing battle with colon cancer, providing an honest glimpse into the ‘chemo chapter’ of her life.
The 52-year-old, who serves as an expert on the Australian and UK versions of the dating show, shared a series of poignant photos on social media, highlighting the duality of her life as she juggles work and chemotherapy.
In her heartfelt post, Mel shared the reality of her experience, juxtaposing glamorous moments with the harsh realities of her treatment.
‘THIS IS ME – for every moment of energy & vibrancy you see there’s an equal and opposite moment of fatigue & discomfort,’ she wrote.
The photos included shots of Mel in full glam, exuding confidence, as well as more vulnerable images showing her undergoing chemotherapy and resting in a hammock.
Married At First Sight’s Mel Schilling has bravely opened up about her ongoing battle with colon cancer, providing an honest glimpse into the ‘chemo chapter’ of her life. Pictured
The 52-year-old, who serves as an expert on the Australian and UK versions of the dating show, shared a series of poignant photos on social media, highlighting the duality of her life as she juggles work and chemotherapy
One particularly telling image shows Mel lying in a hammock, eyes closed, with a copy of self-help book The Reality Slap by Russ Harris resting on her chest.
‘This is my chemo chapter – it’s very up and down,’ Mel explained in her post.
‘Now on cycle six of eight, I’m learning how my body responds and finding ways to schedule my work during high energy periods and making the most of rest and self care in between.’
‘Learning to rest is a huge challenge for me but I’m slowly adapting,’ she continued.
In her heartfelt post, Mel shared the reality of her experience, juxtaposing glamorous moments with the harsh realities of her treatment
‘THIS IS ME – for every moment of energy & vibrancy you see there’s an equal and opposite moment of fatigue & discomfort,’ she wrote
Mel emphasised that this chapter of her life is short-term, a crucial reminder she gives herself regularly.
‘It’s temporary and will pass,’ she went on.
‘I know I have other, probably challenging chapters ahead, but they are not for today.’
‘Self compassion is one of my biggest lessons – I’m learning to cut myself some slack, allow the rest my body craves and to be kind to myself when I can’t be my usual ‘100% energy Mel’.’
The reality TV host revealed her shock health battle in December and underwent colon surgery just before the end of the year.
She explained that her tumour – which she has named ‘Terry’ – was removed by UK doctors.
However, as the cancer spread through her colon into the muscle, Mel discovered she needed chemotherapy and began treatment at the end of February.
