Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares ‘heartbreak’ over losing her hair due to chemotherapy as she issues health update after cancer diagnosis
Amy Dowden issued a health update on Sunday as she underwent her second round of chemotherapy.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, recently revealed that the doctor discovered she has ‘a different type of cancer’ following her initial breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
In an emotional Instagram post, Amy revealed she’s “heartbroken” because her hair has started shredding.
She told her followers, “I wanted to be open and honest with you from the start. So this cycle I started to feel sick as soon as the second batch of ‘red devil’ came in. I came home very tired and started feeling sick (even with all the anti-nausea), by Friday afternoon the nausea stopped and there were just waves of nausea.
“Now still take anti-disease. Hardly slept due to steroids and insomnia they bring. Didn’t have a last cycle but this time some lovely friends with canker sores.
Heartbreaking: Amy Dowden released a health update on Sunday as she underwent her second round of chemotherapy
Devastating: In an emotional Instagram post, Amy revealed she’s ‘heartbroken’ because her hair has started shredding
“But I’ve taken a few walks, made delicious homemade soups and smoothies, and feel even better today.” The little one wins!’
Amy went into detail about the fact that she’s starting to lose her hair. She added, “What I’ve found more difficult this time and in the last few days is shredding hair. Even though I’m cold capping, you hope to keep 50% of your hair and there are also many benefits to regrowing hair faster.
“But as much as I prepared myself by waking up every day gently combing my hair with a wide tooth comb and seeing what came out, it’s just heartbreaking for me personally. I only wash my hair once, twice max, this week, don’t use heat on my hair or styling, so I just don’t feel like myself.
“So it’s time to get the wig out, I say, get used to it and help me feel like myself.” I’m still Amy! Last week some days I woke up and for the first few seconds you forgot and then all of a sudden it all comes crashing down on you, the day and the challenges ahead and your new reality and it’s hard – had a few morning cries and learned that’s okay too.’
She then thanked everyone for their messages of support, writing, “Thanks again for all the lovely messages asking how I’m doing, I want to be open and honest and hopefully help others coming through or those supporting them on their journey too!”
“Thanks again to my family, friends and you for my lovely messages, I read them all, just don’t always have the energy to reply, but I want you to know it really helps, means more than you’ll ever know!” Not obvious and really appreciated and noticed!
“You really see how lucky you are to have amazing loved ones around you! Love to you all.’
Health: The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, recently revealed that the doctor has discovered she has ‘another type of cancer’ following her initial breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year
She told her followers, “I wanted to be open and honest with you from the start. So this cycle I started to feel sick as soon as the second batch of ‘red devil’ went in.”
Amy went into detail about the fact that she’s starting to lose her hair. She added: “What I’ve found more difficult this time and the last few days is shredding hair”
Earlier this month, Amy celebrated her 33rd birthday with her twin sister Becky and shared a throwback photo on Instagram.
She heartbreakingly admitted that “every milestone is a memory right now” and “it hurts” because she’s far from what she’s “normally supposed to be doing.”
The dancer added that her birthday wish was for everyone to check themselves as she works to raise awareness.
In the throwback photo from Amy’s wedding, she and Becky looked glamorous as they got ready for the big day.
She captioned the update: “Happy Birthday to my beautiful, kind, talented twins! I hope your day is as beautiful as you and next year we will make it right! I love you Bex and thank you for everything you always do for me.
“I wasn’t looking forward to this birthday. Right now, every milestone or event is a bigger memory and hurts.”
“I am far from what I should and normally do, in the rehearsal room with my strict family. But all your wishes this morning certainly cheered me up. This year my birthday wish is for everyone to take the time to check themselves!
‘Coppa Feel has so many helpful resources! Does not take long! That’s my birthday wish! Thank you so much again for all the love and support, it really helps and means so much to me. Welsh Love Amy x’
Last week, Amy gave fans an emotional update after completing her first round of chemotherapy.
After undergoing treatment, Amy put on a brave face for the camera as she smiled sweetly in her hospital bed.
Family: Earlier this month, Amy celebrated her 33rd birthday with her twin sister Becky and shared a throwback photo on Instagram
Disturbing: ‘I wasn’t looking forward to this birthday. Right now, any milestone or event is a greater memory and hurts,” she wrote
Covered in blankets and wearing a cold beanie, the star admitted the experience was “not as bad” as she thought and joked that she was “one step closer to getting back on the dance floor.”
On her way home, Amy also posed outside the hospital, holding up a finger.
Amy was first diagnosed with aggressive stage three breast cancer in May.
She found a lump while preparing for her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones in April and shared her diagnosis weeks later.
The professional dancer has since undergone surgery, a mastectomy and fertility treatment.