Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has shared a positive health update with her followers, posting a picture taken just one day after undergoing her second mastectomy surgery.
A Courageous Journey
The 35-year-old dancer, who first rose to fame on the iconic BBC show, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. Since her diagnosis, she has been remarkably open with her fans about her health journey, which has included a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility treatment.
Earlier this month, Amy revealed she would be undergoing another mastectomy procedure, clarifying that this was not due to a new cancer diagnosis but a decision made following consultations with her medical team.
Road to Recovery
In her latest Instagram post, Amy shared a mirror selfie from the day she left hospital, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. "Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I'm feeling proud with how far I've come," she wrote in the caption.
The dancer emphasised focusing on small improvements in her movement and being able to do more each day. "I have been taking it slow, listening to my body, being kind with myself, and celebrating the small wins," she explained, adding that she's now beginning to feel more like herself again.
She concluded her heartfelt message with an important reminder to her followers: "Please remember to check yourself."
Overwhelming Support
Friends and fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of love and encouragement. Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball wrote: "heal well brave one," while another follower shared a personal story: "Sending so much love. My Mum had a double mastectomy in her early 40s and I helped her slowly heal. Baby steps. Take one day at a time."
Another supporter simply called Amy "our warrior," encouraging her to rest and take care of herself during this recovery period.
Amy has taken time off from Strictly Come Dancing to focus on her healing process, though she hopes to rejoin the show next year. In the current series, she was paired with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, but they were the first couple to be eliminated after a dance-off with Chris Robshaw.