Exclusive: MAFS expert Mel Schilling reveals excruciating symptoms she ignored before cancer diagnosis
EXCLUSIVE: Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling knows life is too precious to worry about taboos.
Mel has been candid about her experience every step of the way following her December 2023 bowel cancer diagnosis – so it's no surprise that she's now using her platform to help others learn the signs to look out for.
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"I was guilty of ignoring my body, that's for sure," Mel told 9Entertainment.
"As all busy people know, we often make the mistake of prioritising our work or other projects ahead of our health and I thought my symptoms were just a result of managing multiple projects and international travel.
Mel had keyhole surgery to remove her tumour before Christmas 2023. Instagram
"I had extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, complete loss of appetite, prolonged constipation and eventually, the most extreme abdominal pain (looking back, it was on par with contractions during childbirth). I put it all down to a big, busy year and thought I just needed a rest."
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The true reason turned out to be 'Terry', her name for a 5cm tumour in her ascending colon. She had surgery to remove it before Christmas 2023, followed by six months of chemotherapy.
Unsurprisingly, her experience with cancer "changed everything".
"I no longer have the time or tolerance for things that are not going to enhance my life or that of my family," Mel said.
"Being faced with the prospect that my life could be shortened, I now put my energy into making the most of every moment, experience, relationship or project."
Mel's husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter Maddie were by her side through her treatment. Instagram @mel_schilling1
Knowing how she ignored worrying signs, Mel is working with Kleenex and Bowel Cancer Australia to stop others from doing the same.
The campaign, encouraging us to 'break the taboo, check your poo', aims to raise symptom awareness for Australia's second-deadliest cancer. Kleenex loo rolls across the country will now encourage Aussies to use their toilet time wisely, with details of a dedicated poocheck.com.au support hub.
"As Aussies, I think we are pretty good at talking about taboo topics (like sex or money)," Mel explained – so why not break down one more in the name of health?
"I consider looking at our poo as similar to looking in the mirror," she said, adding it was like "a little window into our health".
"Just like you might notice a pimple or dry skin on your face when you look in the mirror, you may notice a change in the size, colour or shape of your poo. Both scenarios can indicate a change in your health that may need attention."
About 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year and Mel's message to anyone going through a health challenge was about looking to the light in what can otherwise be a dark time.
Mel is an expert on both MAFS Australia and MAFS UK. Nine
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"My advice is to make the choice to focus on the things that bring you joy and happiness. I don't mean put your head in the clouds and ignore reality, but balance the reality with positive, uplifting things," she said.
"Try to introduce things that create more positive emotions in your life, not only will it feel good, but it will improve your healing and recovery process immeasurably."
As for everyone else?
"For others, my main message is what it says on the Kleenex loo roll: Check your poo!"
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