21 July 2023 , 22:02
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Amy Dowden has been flooded with support as she revealed her devastating health diagnosis.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional went public with her breast cancer diagnosis back in May, and underwent a mastectomy in an effort to remove the tumour.
She was due to undergo radiotherapy and then return to Strictly, but she was left floored when doctors told her they had found more tumours after an MRI.
During a chat with Paralympic gold medalist and breast cancer survivor Erin Kennedy for the charity CoppaFeel!, Amy explained her “journey had changed” since being diagnosed, and she wouldn’t be able to compete with a celebrity contestant in the next Strictly series.
She said: “For me my journey everything changed. I was originally going to have a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. But then, after my MRI, they found another tumour so then it changed into a mastectomy and then, after my mastectomy, unfortunately, they found even more tumours.“
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Amy has had a gruelling few months since being diagnosed (amy_dowden/Instagram)“They found another type of cancer and then they told me I needed chemo – for me that was a massive blow. It wasn’t in the plan, originally – and I know the plan you can’t get fixated on,” Amy added, as she revealed she would need chemotherapy.
Amy touched on her heartbreaking news in a post on Instagram shortly after news broke of her missing Strictly this year, and she shared a powerful quote with her loyal fans.
“Keep shining darling. You are stronger than you think. Even though you may doubt it, you will get through the hard stuff with grace, strength and courage,” it read, and she wrote: “Love this!” alongside it.
She underwent a mastectomy, but surgeons found more tumours (amy_dowden/Instagram)Amy was inundated with supportive comments from her 419,000 followers, including some who were also fighting cancer, with one writing: “I love this and going to steal this Amy. I'm starting round 5 of chemo on Monday in my fight against an acute leukemia. We can do this!”
“You’ve got this girl!!! With you all the way, all the love always,” another added.
“Amy, you CAN do this! I had 60 weeks of chemo for stage 2 BC which finished in 2021. I am now stronger and fitter than ever before. Take each step as it comes and you will get through it. Wishing you strength and go kick cancer into touch!” one breast cancer survivor commented.
“Sending love one step at a time. Chemo tick it off. Strong is allowing yourself to feel, keep friends and family close,” another wrote.
“THIS THIS THIS!!! it’s so so true, you absolutely will get through this, you’ve got so many people by your side every single step of the way,” one fan wrote, adding that Amy was “the strongest person I know.”
“You got this Amy, keep fighting beautiful lady you are so inspiring,” another commented.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
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