Amy Dowden has provided an update on her cancer treatment, claiming that she “came down in tears” while wondering why this is happening to her.
In May of this year, the professional dancer was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
After doctors discovered further malignancies following a single mastectomy, the Strictly Come Dancing star subsequently stated she will not be appearing in this year’s competition.
The 32-year-old shared a snapshot of herself sitting up in a hospital bed with a cold hat on while undergoing treatment on her Instagram Story.
Amy is shown in the photo with her eyes closed, one hand on her face, and the chilly cap strapped beneath her chin.
‘I hardly slept. Broke down into tears as soon as I got in the room. Port has been a success. Cold cap on. So far coping and not as bad as I thought with cold cap,’ she wrote in her caption.
‘But just wishing this wasn’t happening to me! Nurses here are just incredible. Thank you NHS and I’ve got my fellow pink sister sat by my side and made sure I walked through the door this morning.’
In her next post shared on her Story, Amy shared that she was feeling better after being given a cup of tea.
She shared a photo of herself holding the hot beverage, with a camera person visible in the background of the shot.
‘Got my tea which makes me feel better. Just feeling very emotional today mixed with nerves and fear but like my lovely nurse has said I just need to think of the end goal,’ she wrote.
‘I’ve always set dreams and goals in life I guess none like this one (always dance related) but I’m going to see it like this.’
Amy indicated that her therapy had begun in another shot, which showed a plastic tube filled with what appears to be her blood.
In a subsequent post, the Strictly Come Dancing judge reported that her treatment was over, but she got brain freeze from wearing the icy headgear.
The NHS explains that a cold cap is sometimes worn by patients during chemotherapy treatments, as ‘its cooling effect reduces blood flow to the scalp’.
This ‘reduces the amount of chemotherapy medication that reaches this area’, which cane help to prevent hair loss.
Amy said on Instagram after her chemotherapy treatment that the bruises she received after having a port implanted into her arm is’so much better,’ though there is still swelling.
After fellow Strictly star Dianne Buswell posted a message of support, Amy responded by writing: ‘Love you. Will be back dancing together and I can’t wait.’
How should you check your breasts for lumps or irregularities?
Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts.
‘It’s about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,’ she said. ‘The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be.
‘Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it’s not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin.
‘While most symptoms won’t mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP.
‘Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now’s nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit breastcancernow.org.uk.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
