Mel Schilling, known for her role on reality television, spoke directly to her followers and shared a serious update about her health. She said the colon cancer she was diagnosed with in December 2023 has now spread further, reaching her brain, something she never expected.
She explained earlier doctors had found a tumour ‘the size of a lemon’ during a scan, which was later removed. After surgery, she was told she was clear, and for a while things seemed hopeful, like maybe the worst part had already passed.
That changed when she later wrote, “During a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised, and my world changed again in an instant.” She also shared, “Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy.”
She said she was then offered a clinical trial suited to her gene type, which gave her a sense of hope again. “Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing,” she said, thinking things could still turn around despite everything she had already gone through.
But later she began experiencing new symptoms, describing “blinding headaches” and “numbness down my right side.” After further testing, she was told the cancer had spread to her brain, and despite treatment, she said doctors told her there was nothing more they could do.
She described hearing that news as life changing and admitted her strength is fading, saying her light is ‘starting to fade – and quickly’. Still, she added, “But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love,” holding onto that support.
She shared that everyday tasks have become difficult and that she now depends on her family for care. “I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.”
Before finishing, she urged others not to ignore warning signs, saying, “If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life,” and thanked her husband and daughter.
Health experts also note that symptoms of colon cancer in women can sometimes be missed. They said, “While colon cancer symptoms are generally similar for men and women, women may sometimes overlook symptoms as they are similar to those experienced during menstruation, menopause, or common gastrointestinal issues.”
They point to signs like ongoing abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, unexplained fatigue, and weight loss, along with bleeding. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially when they do not match normal patterns or continue longer than expected.
