Amy Dowden’s therapy for stage 3 breast cancer has hit a significant milestone.
Following her diagnosis in May, the Strictly Come Dancing star underwent a mastectomy and is now nearing the conclusion of her eight rounds of chemotherapy.
Amy, 33, was tearful as she waited to ring the bell, which many cancer patients do to mark the end of their treatment.
Amy smiled and put up eight fingers in front of Birmingham’s Sheldon Unit.
‘It’s chemo number 8! The last one! We are finally here. I’ve cried all morning!’ she wrote.
‘Right an afternoon of chemo and then I’m so lucky and grateful to be able to ring that bell! Will never take it for granted!’
She was accompanied by her husband, Ben Jones, who proudly wrapped his arm around Amy as they began the special day together.
Amy also took time to thank the medical staff that have guided her through what she previously deemed ‘the toughest year of my life.’
‘Thank you to the incredible Sheldon Unit! You are all amazing #nhs, all #trueheroes 💖. Right here goes! See you all later.’
She also expressed her gratitude by bringing cupcakes for the entire team to enjoy.
Amy was receiving particular notes of support ahead of the treatment, which takes many hours. Becky, her twin sister, composed a unique message in which she expressed her pride.
‘I have always said how strong and inspirational you are to me and now the world can see it,’ she penned.
‘You have used the hardest time of your life to be a beacon of hope to others – the most selfless thing anyone can do. You have raised so much awareness and the amount of lives that may have been saved is down to you.’
Becky emphasised Amy’s dedication to conveying critical messages, which she continues to do today.
Sharing a photo with her two friends Amy wrote: ‘Today all three of us ring that chemo bell! 32,35 and 26 when all diagnosed with breast cancer so please this is a note from us three to check your chest! Cancer doesn’t discriminate! Our wish to you all is the remember to monthly check!’
Amy will still be required to visit the specialised unit once a month for the next five years to continue treatment, and Becky wrote that while ‘there is still a road ahead, we are all with you.’
The comments section of her social media posts were also flooded with support. Dianne Buswell, who previously shared her hope that Amy would be back on the Strictly dance floor full time very soon wrote: ‘Makes me so so happy 💗💗💗💗💗💗.’
‘👏👏👏 you’re incredible! ❤️,’ added It Takes Two host Fleur East.
‘Bloody fantastic news!!! You are one strong young lady and an inspiration – ring it loud 🔔,’ shared former Strictly pro, James Jordan.
Her former partner Tom Fletcher communicated that Amy was in his thoughts: ‘Thinking of you today! Go ring that bell!!! 🤘💖’
Yesterday, Amy went to a personal training session and shared her hopes for the future.
‘I’ve got a long journey ahead. I’m going to be patient and kind to myself,’ she promised.
While previously talking to Davina McCall on the Stand Up To Cancer live show, she said: ‘I’m just really hoping with the surgery that I’ve already had and the chemo that I’ve done enough.’
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer.
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.
