Amy Dowden has opened up about her recovery on Instagram, two weeks after undergoing a second mastectomy.
The professional dancer, best known from Strictly Come Dancing, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and has since navigated chemotherapy, fertility treatments, and a near-fatal bout of sepsis.
Sharing a post-surgery selfie, Amy donned a compression bra and brown checked trousers, expressing pride at how far she has come.
She emphasized celebrating small victories and tuning into her body’s signals.
Celebrating Small Wins During Recovery
In her Instagram caption, Amy reflected on her progress:
“Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I’m feeling proud with how far I’ve come.
Focusing on the little things, I’m seeing gradual improvements in my movement and being able to do more each day.
I’ve been taking it slow, listening to my body, being kind with myself, and celebrating the small wins.”
She added that this week, in particular, she has noticed a difference and feels more like herself again, urging her followers to regularly check themselves for health concerns.
Feeling More Like Herself Again
Amy also shared a candid Instagram Stories video discussing her recovery.
She explained that her energy and mobility are returning, the bruising has eased, and she’s eager to begin physiotherapy.
“Every patient is different, so only follow your doctor’s recommendations,” she noted.
Amy had her dressings removed a week after surgery and was pleased with the results, though swelling remains.
She remains focused on recovery and hopes to return to dancing when she’s ready.
Adjusting to Daily Life After Surgery
The dancer revealed that daily tasks like dressing and wearing her favorite outfits have become tricky due to her compression bras and limited movement.
“I’ve got some lovely dresses, but I can’t wear them—they’re just uncomfortable or the bras are on show.
So I had an excuse to do some retail therapy,” she joked, showing her upbeat approach despite the challenges.
Support From Family and Friends
Amy’s post also reflected on the support she receives from loved ones.
Earlier this week, she shared a hospital snap watching the Celebrity Traitors final with her husband Ben and family.
She thanked fans for messages of love and noted that her friends kept traditions alive even while she rested.
Fellow dancer Dianne Buswell and celebrities like Claudia Winkleman sent their well-wishes online.
Commitment to Transparency About Health
Amy has always been open about her health.
In February 2024, she revealed doctors had found no evidence of cancer in her system, though she would need continued monitoring for five years.
Earlier this month, she announced the need for a second mastectomy, clarifying it was not due to a new cancer diagnosis but a precautionary measure recommended by her medical team.
“Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family,” she wrote, showing her determination to continue dancing.
Life After Cancer and Competing on Strictly
Amy has reflected on the emotional impact of competing while managing her health.
After being eliminated from Strictly earlier this year with Thomas Skinner, she admitted feeling sad about not representing fellow cancer survivors further in the competition.
“Since my diagnosis, I came back, got pulled out, came back again, and then finished last.
I wanted to show what you can be capable of following life after cancer,” she shared at the Women of the Year Awards.
Her goal remains to inspire others that life after cancer can still be vibrant.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting over two million women annually.
In the UK alone, more than 55,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
It can develop in the ducts or lobules of the breast and sometimes spreads to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
Early detection through routine mammography significantly improves outcomes.
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapies, often used in combination depending on the cancer type and stage.
Resources and Support
For those seeking more information or support regarding breast cancer, organizations such as Breast Cancer Now provide helplines and guidance.
Early detection, regular check-ups, and awareness remain key to managing the disease effectively.
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