‘We’re in your corner:’ MAFS cast support Mel Schilling as she shares cancer diagnosis

MAFS expert Mel Schilling has been diagnosed with colon cancer after suffering from severe stomach cramps whilst filming for the latest Australian MAFS series. Cast members of MAFS UK have posted in support of her as well as fellow expert John Aiken, who dedicated a heartfelt tribute to her.

Mel announced the news on her Instagram writing: “YOU HAVE CANCER. Three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear. Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words.

“About a month ago when I was filming in Australia I developed severe stomach cramps on set, I put it down to all the travel I’d been doing and the upset it caused to my system. I saw my GP in Sydney and he put it down to constipation, gave me some laxatives and sent me on my way.

“Fortunately, I knew something still wasn’t right so I booked in for a scan when I returned to the UK. On Thursday I was told I had colon cancer and in an instant, my whole life changed.

“John Lennon famously said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, how right he was. This week I had planned to travel to Northern Ireland with my family to spend Christmas with loved ones. Instead tomorrow morning I’m checking in to the hospital to have an operation to remove a five cm tumour in my colon, a tumour that had it gone undetected for much longer would have killed me.

“Despite this, I feel incredibly blessed that it’s a cancer that is relatively easy to eradicate, I’m expected to make a full recovery though it’s a rough road ahead. I also feel so lucky to have an incredible support network around me, both personally and professionally, my own family and my TV family have been amazing these past few days.

“It will be so tough to spend Xmas Day in the hospital instead of being surrounded by family but getting rid of Terry (what I’ve named my tumour) will be the best present of all. I just wanted to finish by saying that if something doesn’t feel right, please, please don’t ignore it and if you don’t think the answers you have got are right, keep going until you do, it might just save your life.”

Many cast members of MAFS UK rushed to show their support for Mel in the comments with Rozz writing “Sending all my love to you Mel,” and Tasha saying, “Sending so much love to you and your family Mel you are such a beautiful person and I’m sending you a massive hug right now.”

Mel’s MAFS Australia co-star expert John Aiken posted a tribute to her on Instagram with lots of wholesome pictures of them together. He wrote: “Sending love and prayers to @mel_schilling1. Thinking of you and the fight ahead. We’re all in your corner.”

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Featured image via Instagram