Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has moved her fans with a heartfelt health update, posting the first photograph she took just one day after undergoing a second mastectomy.
A Courageous Journey
The 35-year-old dancer, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, has been remarkably open about her treatment journey. This has included a previous mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility procedures.
Earlier this month, Amy prepared her supporters by revealing she would need another mastectomy, clarifying it was not due to a new cancer diagnosis but a decision made with her medical team.
Road to Recovery
Sharing a mirror selfie on Instagram taken the day she left the hospital, Amy penned an inspiring message. She wrote that she was focusing on "the little things" and seeing "gradual improvements in my movement."
"Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I'm feeling proud with how far I've come," she shared, emphasising the importance of listening to her body and celebrating small wins.
She reassured everyone that she is starting to feel more like herself again and used the platform for a vital public health reminder, urging followers: "Please remember to check yourself."
An Outpouring of Support
The comments section quickly flooded with messages of love and encouragement from celebrities and fans alike.
Radio 2 host Zoe Ball left a heartfelt note saying, "heal well brave one," while another supporter shared a personal story about their mother's own recovery from a double mastectomy.
Another admirer simply called Amy "our warrior," capturing the sentiment of thousands.
While she is taking a step back from the current series of Strictly Come Dancing to focus on her recovery, Amy remains hopeful. She has expressed her intention to rejoin her "Strictly family" once healed, with the aim of returning to the programme next year.
In this series, she was partnered with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, but the pair were the first to be eliminated after a dance-off with Chris Robshaw.
