Strictly star Amy Dowden has issued a post-operation update, just weeks after getting a second mastectomy.
The Welsh dancer, 35, opened up in a video for her followers on Instagram earlier today (Tuesday, December 9).
Amy Dowden on ’emotional’ night at Breast Cancer carol service
Last night saw Amy give a reading at Breast Cancer Now’s Carol Concert at St Peter’s Church.
Reflecting on the night on her Instagram story today, Amy opened up about how one speech in particular last night “resonated” with her.
“I had the most wonderful day last night [at] the Breast Cancer Now Christmas Carol service. I had the honour to do a reading. It was just one special night. Met so many wonderful ladies who are going through breast cancer, have secondary breast cancer, to those who are on the other side,” she said.
Speaking about a speech from a breast cancer survivor who she sought advice from following her own diagnosis, Amy said: “Certain things she said in her speech, I could really relate to and it really helped me. She said how she’s no longer emotionally attached to her body, especially her boobs. Well, I’ve got two new ones.”
‘A cancer diagnosis never leaves you’
The pro dancer continued, saying: “Then she said how proud she is of her body for all it’s got her through and for standing there today, and allowing her to do all she can today. And I was just like, ‘Oh, absolutely’.
“It was quite emotional as well. It really touched me and it made me even more grateful last night to be where I am today, celebrating and looking forward to the run-up to Christmas, the Strictly final,” she then continued. She then revealed that filming of the Christmas special is today.
Amy then continued, saying: “Last night was another reminder to go grab life, as Nikki would say, and don’t hold back. Yes, a cancer diagnosis never leaves you but gosh, I’m one of the lucky ones.
“I will do all I can, like this incredible soul I just spoke about, to continue to raise awareness and to give back to all that helped me during a really tough period of my life.”
Amy on her preventative mastectomy
Speaking on Lorraine last week, Amy opened up about undergoing a second mastectomy and how she “can’t” go through another cancer diagnosis.
The mastectomy is to prevent her cancer from coming back after specs were found in her left breast.
“This is preventative. I’m young. I want children. I would do anything to just have my old life back and not be going through this,” she admitted during the segment.
“I certainly don’t want to have surgery again. But what I do know is I can’t go through another cancer diagnosis again. I can’t,” she said.
At the end of the segment, Amy expressed her hopes for the future.
“I would really love to be back dancing, a little bit, in the Strictly final,” she said.
