Married At First Sight legend Mel Schilling was previously misdiagnosed by doctors on two occasions before being told she had colon cancer, now the TV star and mum has received a terminal diagnosis
Married At First Sight icon Mel Schilling has tragically been given a terminal cancer diagnosis after initially being misdiagnosed. The TV star and relationship coach shared the devastating news on Thursday that doctors are no longer able to treat her condition.
The TV star, aged just 54, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, having been misdiagnosed by her doctors on two occasions. Having experienced severe stomach cramps while filming MAFS in Australia, her symptoms were initially brushed off, with a doctor claiming she had constipation or was tired.
Sadly, upon returning to the UK and being sent for a scan, Mel was informed she had colon cancer. Since her diagnosis, Mel underwent surgery to remove her tumour, which she called Terry. But in February 2024, during a routine scan, small nodules were found on her lung, and the cancer had metastasised.
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She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was informed she could be part of a medical trial, which was due to start this month. Over the Christmas period, Mel started experiencing fresh symptoms, including “blinding headaches,” before being informed that her cancer had spread to her brain, and there was nothing doctors could do. The NHS states that the main symptoms of colon and bowel cancer include:
- Changes in poo – such as softer poo, diarrhoea, or constipation
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual
- Blood in stool, which may be black or red
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you have just been
- Stomach pain
- A lump in the stomach
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling tired or short of breath – which could be anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer.
Treatment for bowel cancer varies, depending on the size of the tumour, if the cancer is in the colon or rectum, or both, if it has spread, if the cancer has genetic changes and age, as well as general health comes into play. Treatments include surgery, as well as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted medications. Meanwhile, the health organisation states that brain tumours could be identified from the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Constantly feeling sick, being sick and drowsiness
- Mental or behavioural changes – including memory problems and changes in personality
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Vision or speech problems
Treatment depends on the type of tumour, where it is in the brain, how big it is, whether it’s spread, how abnormal it is, and overall health and fitness. Treatment includes steroids, medicines, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Writing on social media on Thursday night, Mel said: “Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.
“After many tests, I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do. Hearing those words changes everything. So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.”
She added: “Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult, and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.
“At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting.”
Since Mel shared the heartbreaking news, she has been inundated with support from famous pals. Kerry Katona said: “Sending you so much strength and love.” Harriet Rose penned: “You are so wonderful Mel. I am so sorry to hear this and I’m sending you all the love.” Celebs Go Dating’s Anna Williamson said: “Mel, I am sending you so SO much love.”
Vicky Pattison commented: “My brave, beautiful and strong woman… I am so, so sorry. Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family.” Lauren Cowell said: “I don’t even know you but I’m crying for you. I am so very sorry for you and your family. I pray somehow you can beat this and be ok. Sending you so much love and light.”
For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support, or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.
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