Australian TV star Melanie Schilling says her “whole life changed” after receiving a shock health diagnosis.
The dating and human behaviour expert has been diagnosed with colon cancer after experiencing “severe stomach cramps” a month ago.
Announcing the news on Wednesday, Schilling posted a photo of her embracing her husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter Maddie, 8, in front of their Christmas tree in the UK.
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“’You have cancer’ — three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear,” she began her Instagram caption.
“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.”
Schilling said she “knew something still wasn’t right” so booked in for a scan after her family arrived in the UK.
“John Lennon famously said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. How right he was,” she said.
“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 hospital to have an operation to remove a 5cm tumour in my colon, a tumour that, had it gone undetected for much longer, would have killed me.”
The TV star said that despite the upcoming surgery she feels “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,” she said.
“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.”
Schilling will be spending Christmas Day recovering from the surgery.
“It will be so tough to spend Xmas Day in 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,” she said.
“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 💋.”
Friends and followers took to social media to share their support.
“I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending all the love and healing angels your way ❤️❤️❤️,” actress Rebecca Gibney wrote.
Home and Away actress Georgie Parker said: “Sending huge love to you Mel, and your family.”
“Thinking of you Mel… you’re a force to be reckoned with and you can do this! Sending you so much love ❤️,” another said.
“No! 😢😭 I’m so sorry to hear this Mel but if anyone can beat cancer it’s you! Sending you so much love and strength to both you and your family. You have an army supporting you ❤️,” a fourth wrote.
Colon cancer treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumour.
Many can be asymptomatic at first but symptoms can include a change in bowel habits, stomach discomfort, weakness and weight loss, according to Mayo Clinic.
The Australian Department of Health recommends colon cancer screenings for people over 50 every two years.
Ninety per cent of cases can be successfully treated if found early.
In 2021, Schilling and her family relocated to the UK.
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