Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has provided a heartfelt health update to her followers, marking two weeks since undergoing her second mastectomy procedure.
The 33-year-old dancer took to Instagram on Wednesday evening to share her progress, posting a photo of herself wearing a compression bra with the caption: 'This picture I took the day I came out of hospital, post surgery!'
Celebrating Small Victories in Recovery
In her emotional post, Dowden expressed pride in how far she's come since the operation, emphasising that she's focusing on little things and celebrating small wins each day.
'Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I'm feeling proud with how far I've come,' she wrote. 'Focusing on the little things, I'm seeing gradual improvements in my movement and being able to do more each day.'
The dancer revealed she's been taking recovery slowly, listening to her body and being kind to herself throughout the healing process.
Road to Recovery and Return to Dancing
In a candid video shared on her Instagram Stories, Dowden provided additional details about her improving condition. 'I am doing so much better thank you, since the weekend I've started to feel like me again,' she explained.
She noted that her energy levels have returned, movement has improved, tenderness has decreased and bruising has subsided significantly.
The professional dancer is now looking forward to beginning physiotherapy and eventually returning to the dance floor when medically cleared.
Practical Challenges and Looking Ahead
Dowden openly discussed the everyday challenges she faces during recovery, including difficulties with clothing choices due to her surgical bras and restricted movement.
'I can't wear low tops and I've got to wear impression bras and getting a jumper on is hard,' she shared, though adding that 'in the grand scheme of things it's not a problem.'
Despite these temporary inconveniences, the dancer remains optimistic about her progress and is excited to watch the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special from home this weekend.
Amy Dowden was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and has undergone extensive treatment including chemotherapy, fertility preservation and previously survived a life-threatening sepsis infection.
She concluded her health update with an important reminder to her followers: 'Please remember to check yourself' for signs of breast cancer.
