Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling has revealed the cancer she has been battling for several years has now spread to her brain cancer.
While the dating and relationship coach from the Channel 9 program was given the “all clear” from colon cancer, which was found in late 2023, she started getting “blinding headaches” over Christmas and numbness down her right side.
The 54-year-old has been told what has been causing those symptoms.
“Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,” she said.
“Hearing those words changes everything.
“So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly.
“But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.
“Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me.
“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.”
Mel Schilling’s difficult cancer journey since 2023
Mel was told she had colon cancer in late 2023 after doctors discovered a tumour the size of a lemon.
She nicknamed the tumour Terry, and it was successfully removed, leaving the MAFS expert to think she was in the clear.
But she was told in early 2024 there were small nodules in her lungs and the cancer had metastasised.
She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was told she was eligible for a “groundbreaking clinical trial” specific to my gene type.
This was due to start this month and it left her feeling optimistic about the future.
However, the update about the cancer moving into her brain has possibly thrown cold water on that plan.
“At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support,” she said.
“They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
“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.”
This comes nearly one month after she revealed she would be stepping away from MAFS Australia after 12 seasons to spend time with her family.
Mel currently lives in London with her husband Gareth and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie, and she said it’s been difficult to keep up with her yearly MAFS commitments while looking after her health.
“In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable,” she said.
“It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.
“What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey.”
World rallies around Mel Schilling after sad cancer update
Mel announced her cancer update on social media and she was flooded with messages of support.
“What a nourishing, bright light you are. Sending tons of this,” UK comedian and actor Dawn French wrote.
Jay Howard, who appeared on the British version of MAFS, sent her thoughts and prayers to Mel and her family.
“This is so heartbreaking to read,” she said.
“You are so incredibly strong and brave. What a beautiful soul you are inside and out. The amount of peoples lives you’ve touched and helped including myself over the years is just amazing. You are a true warrior and an incredible woman.”
Channel 9 presenter Belinda Russell said her heart was broken by the news.
“You are an extraordinary human who lights up every room you enter. Sending lots of strength and big love. Keep fighting,” she wrote.