Mel Schilling has shared photos of her surgical scar after undergoing a procedure for colon cancer last year.
The 52-year-old Married At First Sight relationship expert revealed the small scar, which is situated under her belly button, in a series of bikini photos as she enjoyed a holiday in Northern Ireland with her husband Gareth Brisbane.
The reality TV host revealed her shock health battle in December last year and underwent surgery just before the end of the year.
At the time, she explained her tumour – which she 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.
She has since posted about the ‘incredible response’ to the bikini photos, and urged others not to ignore the signs and symptoms of the disease.
‘So many of you were surprised at how SMALL my scar is – it was a keyhole surgery, it took 90 minutes and I was up and walking the next day,’ she wrote in her caption.
‘I’m sharing this here to highlight the fact that the IDEA of bowel cancer does not have to be big and scary. There is no need to ignore your symptoms or avoid talking to your doctor – in fact, the sooner you take action on your symptoms, the less intervention you’re likely to need.
‘Yes, bowel cancer is serious business and it’s affecting more & more people under 50 … but if you take immediate & assertive action almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully.’
Earlier this month, Mel bravely opened up about her ongoing battle with colon cancer, providing an honest glimpse into the ‘chemo chapter’ of her life.
Sharing a series of poignant photos on social media, the MAFS star highlighted 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.
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.
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’.’