Amy Dowden reveals heartbreak as her hair starts shedding amid breast cancer treatment: ‘I just don’t feel like me’

As her hair begins to fall out, Amy Dowden gives us a glimpse into the unpleasant realities of cancer therapy.

The Strictly Come Dancing pro, 33, announced earlier this year that she had stage 3 breast cancer.

Amy has subsequently had a single mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy after doctors discovered new malignancies, forcing her to leave Strictly 2023.

However, getting a wig manufactured lately brought a smile to her face after she was afraid about losing her hair.

Amy was pleased when she saw her unique wig for the first time, and the wig manufacturer said she was a pleasure to deal with.

And, as she continues to keep her followers updated on her treatment progress, Amy has posted a very candid and emotional update on losing hair, saying it’s time to get out the wig.

‘Wanted to be open and honest with you all from the start,’ Amy began on her Instagram Story.

‘So this cycle, I started feeling sick soon as second lot of “red devil” was going in. Got home very tired and started being sick (even with all the anti-sickness). By Friday afternoon the sickness stopped and was just waves of nausea. Still taking anti-sickness now.’

She continued: ‘Hardly any sleep due to steroids and the insomnia they bring with them. Didn’t have any last cycle but some lovely mouth ulcer friends this time around.

‘But I’ve managed some walks, lovely homemade soups and smoothies and feeling even better today! The little wins!’

Amy went on to explain that the ‘hair shedding’ has been considerably ‘harder’ in her second cycle of treatment, recording a video of her bathroom covered with hair after brushing it.

During her treatments, the dancing star is wearing a chilly cap, which, according to the NHS, lowers blood flow to the scalp, reducing the quantity of chemotherapy drugs that reaches this area. This aids in the prevention of hair loss.

Amy stated that she hopes to preserve ‘50%’ of her hair and that her hair may grow back stronger.

But she’s upset when she combs her hair and notices it coming out.

‘As much as I prepared myself, waking up every day gently combing my hair with a wide comb and seeing what comes out is just heartbreaking.

‘I’m only washing my hair once, max twice, a week, not using any heat on my hair or styling it so I just don’t feel like me.

‘So, it’s time to bring out the wig I say and get used to this and help me feel like me.’

Describing her upset, Amy went on: ‘I know this won’t last forever but during this time and knowing normally these few months are my favourite time of the year and I feel myself wishing these months away just hurts so much.

‘I know and telling myself the way you look hasn’t changed who I am inside (still have my chatty annoying spells, mad ideas, determination, and want to help others). I’m still Amy!

‘Some days last week I’d wake up for the first few seconds, you forget and then suddenly it all hits you, the day and challenges ahead and your new reality and it’s tough, had a few morning cries and learning that’s ok too.

‘But I’ve got some dates in the diary on my good periods I’m working towards and I feel this will really help me and the person I am. Something to look forward to and work towards.’

‘I know through the other side I’ll become a better, stronger person and will feel and look like Amy again!’, she added defiantly.

Expressing her gratitude, she added: ‘Thank you again for all the lovely messages asking how I am, want to be open and honest and hopefully help others going through or those supporting those on their journeys too!

‘Again thanks to my family, friends and you guys for my lovely messages. I read them all, just don’t always have the energy to reply but I want you to know it really helps, means more than you will ever know! Not taken for granted and really appreciated and noticed!’

‘You truly see how lucky you are to have amazing loved ones around you!’, she concluded.