Amy Dowden shares update as she deals with 'painful' chemo side effects
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Amy Dowden has shared a health update after undergoing her third round of chemotherapy amid her breast cancer diagnosis.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, said she had suffered from sickness, tiredness due to steroids, hair loss and mouth ulcers but was beginning to feel like herself again after taking time off social media.
Amy began her Instagram Story on Tuesday (September 5) by explaining she had been ‘silent’ over the weekend to ‘fully recover’ after chemotherapy treatment on Thursday.
The dancer said she had suffered a ‘little bit’ of sickness and tiredness over the past few days, with steroids leaving her unable to go to sleep.
She added the steroids had resulted in her having a ‘moonface’, as the medication often causes swelling and puffiness, but that she was ‘used to it by now.’
Amy continued: ‘I’m definitely feeling more like Amy today. [My] mouth is covered in mouth ulcers and some are quite swollen. Obviously losing the hair still, and you can’t sleep because of the steroids but you’re so tired.’
‘So those are symptoms I’ve got but I’ve not ended up in hospital so far after this admission so that’s a win-win,’ Amy added in reference to contracting sepsis during her first round of chemotherapy.
Amy was treated by the Intensive Care Unit after falling ill and feeling ‘freezing cold’, while also being ‘clammy and shaking’ with medics later diagnosing her with the life-threatening condition, which happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection.
She was discharged after being hospitalised and was given the all-clear to continue with her chemotherapy treatment.
Amy also shared that she had not yet begun to lose her eyebrows and eyelashes, after being told by fellow breast cancer fighters it usually happens after the third round.
She explained: ‘I was told by all my pink sisters that normally after your third EC, the chemo you have, is when you start to lose your eyelashes and your eyebrows. And so far, I’ve still got them.
‘Obviously, I could still lose them and I’ve still got another EC to go. Before then I could go on to a different type of chemo.’
How to check your breasts for signs of cancer
CoppaFeel! offers three simple steps on how to check your own chest for signs of cancer.
Look
- Look at your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Look at the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in size, outline or shape and changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling.
Feel
- Feel each of your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Feel the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling, or any lumps, bumps or skin thickening which are different from the opposite side.
Notice your nipples
- Look at each of your nipples.
Be aware of any nipple discharge that’s not milky, any bleeding from the nipple, any rash or crusting on or around your nipple area that doesn’t heal easily and any change in the position of your nipple
Amy then shared she had a ‘lovely day’ planned with her twin sister, Becky Dowden, to make the most of the sunny weather.
‘You’ve just got to make the most of the good days, haven’t you?’ she added.
The BBC star then finished her video by thanking her fans for all their messages of support, revealing she read every single one and apologising for not having the energy to always reply.
She added: ‘They’re not taken for granted and they help so much and the love and support. So thank you, honestly, from the bottom of my heart.’
Since revealing she had been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, undergoing a single mastectomy, Amy has kept fans updated with her health, including her delight at having wigs made.
While she’s unable to take part in Strictly 2023, she teased a return to the juggernaut series, saying that she hopes to feature whether it’s in a full dance routine, a video clip from home, or even on an episode of supplementary show It Takes Two.
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.
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