Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling has given fans an important update in her battle against colon cancer.
The psychologist and dating coach, 51, stunned fans by revealing her tumor – which she has named 'Terry' – has already been removed by British doctors.
'So yesterday afternoon I had keyhole surgery to remove my tumor (aka Terry) and in the words of my wonderful surgeon it couldn't have gone better!' Mel's message began.
It accompanied a photo of the TV star in a hospital bed, giving a thumbs up with a tube in her nose.
Schilling added: 'Crucially, the cancer had not spread to my abdominal cavity, which was our biggest fear, but was localized entirely in my colon.'
Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling, 51, has given fans an important update in her battle against bowel cancer. Pictured
“I'll be discussing my treatment plan over the next few days, but suffice it to say, Terry is ready!”
Schilling then revealed that her treatment had taken place in London and went on to praise Britain's National Health Service (NHS).
'I also wanted to say that everyone in Britain should be incredibly proud of the people of the NHS.'
She added: 'The NHS is a unique, valuable institution and we need to ensure it is there to serve our children and our children's children.'
Now it's time to focus on getting out of here in time for Christmas,” the reality TV host concluded.
The psychologist and dating coach, 51, stunned fans by revealing her tumor – which she has named 'Terry' – has already been removed by British doctors. Seen here with daughter Madison, eight
Schilling then revealed that her treatment had taken place in London and went on to praise Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Pictured with Madison and husband Gareth Brisbane, 51
Mel, who appears on the British and Australian versions of the show, revealed she had colon cancer in an Instagram post early Wednesday morning.
She posted a photo of herself hugging her husband Gareth Brisbane, 51, and their daughter Madison, eight, alongside the caption: “You have cancer.” Three little words that everyone fears, but no one ever expects to hear.
'Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words.'
Schilling said she was diagnosed just a month after she started feeling pain in her abdomen while filming the upcoming eleventh season of MAFS Australia.
Schilling revealed on Wednesday that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer
'About a month ago, while I was filming in Australia, I started having severe stomach cramps on set. “I put it down to all the traveling I did and the disruption it caused in my system,” she explained.
'I saw my GP in Sydney and he put it down to constipation, gave me some laxatives and sent me away.'
Despite her doctor's initial assessment, Schilling said she knew her condition was more serious and booked herself a scan when she traveled to Britain.
“On Thursday I was diagnosed with colon cancer and in an instant my entire life changed,” she wrote.
Schilling confirmed that she will go to the hospital tomorrow to remove a 5 cm tumor in her colon that, if the tumor had gone unnoticed much longer, would have killed her.
She spends Christmas Day in the hospital receiving treatment.
Despite her heartbreaking situation, Schilling says she feels “incredibly blessed” that her cancer is “relatively easy to eradicate.”
Despite her heartbreaking situation, Schilling (left, with fellow MAFS UK experts Paul Brunson and Charlene Douglas) feels 'incredibly blessed' that her cancer is 'relatively easy to eradicate'
Schilling (right, with MAFS Australia experts Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken) concluded her post by encouraging her followers to seek medical advice when something doesn't feel right
“I am expected to make a full recovery, although it is a difficult road,” she wrote, adding, “I also feel so fortunate to have an incredible support network around me, both personally and professionally, my own family and my TV family It's been great the last few days.'
She joked that she even gave her tumor a name: Terry.
“It's going to be so hard to spend Christmas Day in the hospital instead of being surrounded by family, but getting rid of Terry (what I've been calling my tumor) will be the best gift of all,” she added .
Schilling concluded her message by encouraging her social media followers to seek medical advice when something doesn't feel right.
'I wanted to end by saying, if something doesn't feel right, please don't ignore it and if you don't think the answers you have are right, keep going until you do, it just might save your life .'
Common symptoms of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, anal or rectal pain, lumps, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.
Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of cancer start screening around age 45.
Those at higher risk should start screening earlier.
Treatment for colon cancer usually involves surgical removal of the cancer.
Other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended depending on the location and stage of the cancer.
