Kiwi radio host Mel Homer shares chemotherapy update amid cancer battle

Kiwi radio host and television personality Mel Homer says she’s still getting used to her altered appearance after finishing her first round of chemotherapy.

The Breeze host was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia – a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow – which was discovered during routine blood tests in early July.

Homer started a course of aggressive chemotherapy soon after.

Now, more than one month in, Homer shared an update about how her treatment is progressing, noting her long locks have disappeared for the time being.

“I’m still getting used to jumping out of the shower and glancing in the mirror to see this,” Homer wrote on Facebook.

“My muscle memory always needs two towels - one to wrap my long hair up with.

The Breeze radio host Mel Homer is undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia. Photo / Facebook

“Somehow through chemo round one, I have kept my eyebrows and I am being VERY gentle with them.”

Homer has been given a week to stay at home between her chemotherapy cycles after an initial five weeks in hospital.

“I am soaking up being surrounded by my family and friends and powering up for the next round of chemo,” she said.

“I’m feeling good! Although my eyesight is a tad worse for wear at the moment after a couple of bleeds behind my eyes due to low platelets, so I’ll use that as an excuse for typos and it is getting better!

“Onwards we go!!”

Homer’s employer expects her to be in and out of hospital for the next five months as she continues treatment.

I’m still getting used to jumping out of the shower and glancing in the mirror to see this. My muscle memory always...

Posted by Mel Homer on Saturday 9 August 2025

Homer is a former presenter of TV morning show The Café and Celebrity Treasure Island contestant. She currently hosts The House of Wellness on The Breeze, a weekly show which discusses health and wellbeing topics.

She lives in Auckland with her husband of 25 years, Andy Pilcher. The couple have three grown-up sons.

Speaking on The Breeze last month, Homer said she was “feeling fighting fit and ready to tackle this head on”.

“I am focusing on the positive and am looking forward to saving on shampoo when I lose my hair in about two weeks’ time.

“If anyone needs a cancer influencer, I’m your gal. And look out for the book I’ll most definitely write after this experience.”

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