Amy Dowden’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars rallied behind her following the first round of chemotherapy.
The professional dancer was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May of this year and has been open about her experiences with the disease and treatment.
Discussing one hospital stay, the 32-year-old wrote: ‘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.
‘But just wishing this wasn’t happening to me!’
Many of her Strictly buddies expressed their support on Instagram stories after seeing the post.
‘We loves you, we do,’ wrote Dianne Buswell, who was a bridesmaid at her wedding to Ben Jones last year.
Clearly appreciative of the sweet message Amy reposted and added: ‘Love you, will be back dancing together and I can’t wait’.
Amy has had a lot of support from her ex-partner Tom Fletcher and his wife Giovanna.
He sweetly wrote: ‘Thinking of my wonderful friend Amy Dowden today on her first day of chemo. You’ve got this Amy and we’re all here with you’.
She was also in Janette Manrara’s thoughts who wrote: ‘What an incredible woman. Sending all my love’.
Katya Jones shared encouragement: ‘You’ll be strutting into the Strictly ballroom in no time. We’re by your side’.
Amy posted an update on her Instagram grid after she finished her chemotherapy.
‘Chemo 1 done!’ she stated.
‘I looked worse going in than coming out actually. I didn’t sleep, I got there and I just burst into tears, luckily my pink sister made sure I walked in and helped me through it and distracted from the brain freeze of the cold cap.’
She continued: ‘Thank you @jenny.markey not sure what I would do without you! Lucky to have you! Red Devil went in, had another cry but I’ve left knowing chemo 1 done and not as bad as I thought.
‘This is due to the incredible team and nurses! Thank you NHS! Hopefully not too many side affects. One step closer to being back on the dance floor. (that’s what’s hurting the most right now, I’d do anything to be there with my fellow strictly pros right now). But for now chemo 1.’
Many Strictly contestants, past and current, witnessed the bold disclosure.
Oti Mabuse wrote: ‘You got this’.
‘Ur awesome 🔥,’ Kevin Clifton added.
Graziano Di Prima offered his own words of support: ‘Ur amazing my friend!! Sending love’.
‘Sending you love Amy. Xx,’ shared Johannes Radebe.
Former judge Arlene Phillips also sent her well-wishes: ‘Sending love, admiration, and heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery and return to seeing you dance on strictly’.
Host Tess Daly penned: ‘Sending all the love in the world to you xxx’.
Amy shocked her Strictly family at one of their professional rehearsals.
Beside a snap of the occasion, she wrote: ‘I surprised the gang! Just what I needed!
‘Seeing the @bbcstrictly family! Going to be an amazing series and I can’t wait to watch you all shine and be with you all when I can!’
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.’
