Mel Schilling showed a brave smile as she completed another tough week of chemotherapy.
The 52-year-old Married At First Sight expert revealed late last year that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer and had subsequently undergone surgery to remove a tumour she named ‘Terry’.
On Friday evening, Mel shared a selfie via her Instagram Story in which she smiles without makeup for her 227,000 followers.
“Survived another tough week of chemo,” she captioned the image.
This happened after Mel recently showed off the scar from her colon cancer surgery.
The relationship expert showed off the small scar, which is located below her belly button, in a series of bikini photos of the woman who was on holiday in Northern Ireland with her husband Gareth Brisbane.
The reality TV host announced in December last year that she was struggling with her health and underwent surgery just before the end of the year.
She then explained that her tumor had been removed by British doctors.
Mel Schilling (pictured) flashed a brave smile as she wrapped up another difficult week of chemotherapy
But when the cancer spread through her colon to the muscle, Mel found out she needed chemotherapy, and she began treatment in late February.
She has since written about the “incredible response” to the bikini photos and urged others not to ignore the signs and symptoms of the disease.
“Many of you were surprised at how SMALL my scar is. It was a laparoscopy, took 90 minutes and I was able to walk the next day,” she wrote in her caption.
‘I share this here to emphasize that the IDEA of colon cancer doesn’t have to be a big and scary thing. There’s 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 a serious issue and it is affecting more and more people under the age of 50… but if you take immediate and decisive action, almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.’
It comes after Mel shared photos of her surgical scar following treatment for bowel cancer
The relationship expert revealed the small scar, which is located below her belly button, in a series of bikini photos as she enjoyed her holiday in Northern Ireland with husband Gareth Brisbane
Earlier this month, Mel bravely spoke out about her ongoing battle with colon cancer, giving an honest insight into the ‘chemo chapter’ of her life.
The MAFS star shared a series of poignant photos on social media, highlighting the duality in her life as she juggles work and chemotherapy.
In her heartfelt post, Mel shared her experiences, contrasting the glamorous moments with the harsh reality of the treatment she underwent.
“THIS IS ME – for every moment of energy and aliveness you see, there is an equal and opposite moment of tiredness and discomfort,” she wrote.
The photos included photos of Mel in full glamour, full of self-confidence, but also vulnerable photos of her undergoing chemotherapy and lying in a hammock.
The reality TV host revealed her shocking health scare in December last year and underwent surgery just before the end of the year
In one particularly telling photo, Mel lies in a hammock, her eyes closed, a copy of Russ Harris’s self-help book The Reality Slap on her chest.
“This is my chemo chapter – it’s been up and down,” Mel explained in her post.
“I’m now on cycle six of eight and learning how my body responds. I’m finding ways to schedule my work during high-energy periods and make the most of rest and self-care in between.”
“Learning to rest is a huge challenge for me, but I am slowly adapting to it,” she continues.
Mel emphasized that this chapter in her life is short-lived. She gives herself this important reminder regularly.
“It’s temporary and it will pass,” she continued.
“I know there are other, probably challenging chapters to come, but they are not for today.”
‘Self-compassion is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. I’m learning to give myself a little more space, give my body the rest it needs, and be kind to myself when I can’t be my usual ‘100% energetic Mel.’