Copyright walesonline
Amy Dowden has shared a health update after undergoing a second mastectomy. The Welsh Strictly Come Dancing star, 35, was diagnosed with cancer in May 2023 after finding a lump on her breast while on her honeymoon. She was forced to miss Strictly that year, and bravely documented her health journey , while she was supported from fans and co-stars alike. Amy courageously gave updates from hospital as she went through chemotherapy, and candidly spoke about how she was left "extremely sick". Thankfully, Amy announced in October that year that she has "no evidence of disease", however, just days ago she explained that she'd be undergoing surgery again for a second mastectomy. She has now shared an update with followers, with a picture from hospital. Amy wrote: "Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I’ve not replied to anyone, (only just looked at my phone). "Surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up. Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching the Traitors…keeping the tradition going." She was surrounded in her hospital bed by her loved ones who brought gifts, while Amy was hooked up to a drip. Earlier this week, she had shared in a video on Instagram: "As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive. So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis. "However following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week. They’re confident that all will go well and I can expect a straightforward recovery. "Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family. Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on. Thank you always for all the support." Amy, who was paired with Thomas Skinner on Strictly this year, made a triumphant return to the show after being forced to pull out last year after suffering an injury. Ahead of her comeback, she said on ITV's Lorraine: "I'm really proud of how far I've come. Two years ago, I look back now and again and my mouth was covered in ulcers, my hair was falling out, I was quite weak. "I was gutted not to be able to take part in Strictly and to see how far I've come since then.” Revealing how she felt going back to the ballroom after being forced to drop out last year, she continued: "Strictly was that goal after I heard, 'sorry Amy, it's cancer,' it was 'Get me back on the dancefloor', and then I got back and had to pull out. "I've worked on my strength and fitness, worked on myself mentally and physically because cancer diagnoses are tough, and I don't think there's enough out there about the reality of after the diagnosis and how long it takes to recover."
