Yahoo News Strictly Come Dancing fans praise Amy Dowden as shares 'inspirational’ update one year after diagnosis
Strictly Come Dancing fans have praised Amy Dowden as she shared an emotional update one year after her cancer diagnosis. The professional dancer was diagnosed with stage three cancer in May last year.
The star has since given her fans an update on her journey the past year with an emotional video montage, which also featured her family and friends.
Alongside the post, she wrote: "These past few weeks and especially days I’ve constantly been thinking this time last year I was having this test, or this appointment. A year ago today it was confirmed what we thought it was but it became reality and my life changed forever when the Dr said we are sorry Amy it’s cancer. I can’t believe it’s been a year and all what my body has been through and achieved.
"A year ago Ben, myself and my twin sister cried together and had to pull ourselves together as we had to break the news to my parents and just knowing the heart ache and worry it was going to cause. I used to lay awake for hours with my mind going to all sorts of places, would I make it to Christmas, would I dance again, how’s Ben going to cope, I don’t want to lose my hair , you name it. I wish I knew then how I would be a year on.
"I told myself constantly this too shall pass and a year on, my hair growing back, my energy getting better and better, back dancing and most importantly spending time with my family and friends and appreciating life."
Amy added: "To those struggling right now I’m sending you love and strength. To those family and friends who stuck by me I’m forever grateful to you! I know I’m lucky and blessed for another shot at life, here’s to a healthier, better, happier and dancing year ahead! …. Now a gentle reminder have you checked your chest this month? Early detection can save lives."
It didn’t take long for fans and celebrity friends to flood the star with sweet messages. Strictly Come Dancing co-star Vito Coppola said: “Beautiful Amyyy. We are waiting for you
Cannot wait to have you back with us and then our family will be complete again. Sending you all my love.” @cc64m commented: “You have inspired me on my own journey. Chemo done, hair shedding, radiotherapy on the horizon but still going! Got this licked.”
@kylliewyllie wrote: “You are amazing. I had a bilateral mastectomy with recon last week, you have been my go to during all this. Keep going! We got this!!”
@jussiemb1 said: “You should be so proud of yourself & the countless people your journey has touched & more than likely saved.”
While @jogoughart added: “You are truly amazing Amy. Such a strong woman and an inspiration to so many people. It's great to see how far you've come and great to see you looking so well. I'd love to send you a piece of art to keep your days full of joy and happiness.”
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