Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has returned home to her family, marking a significant step in her ongoing recovery following a second mastectomy operation.
Home in Time for the Saturday Show
The 35-year-old dancer was discharged from hospital just in time to watch Strictly Come Dancing from the comfort of her home this past Saturday. She shared a cosy picture with her followers, showing her resting in pyjamas with a lymphatic drain attached, enjoying a cup of tea.
In a subsequent heartwarming photograph, Amy was pictured surrounded by her closest friends and family as they gathered around the television to watch the show. She captioned her social media post: "Home, resting up, still got my drain in but rrrrrready for the best entertainment and medicine there is for me..... Good luck everyone. Cheering you all on from home! Lots of luck and love xxxxx."
A Devastating Health Battle
Amy's journey began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. Since her diagnosis, she has endured an immense treatment regimen, which included a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and a life-threatening battle with sepsis.
In a positive update in February 2024, she announced that tests showed no evidence of cancer remaining in her body. However, her treatment plan requires her to continue hormone therapy for five years before she receives the official all-clear.
The dancer recently disclosed that she would undergo a second mastectomy, clarifying that this was not due to a new cancer diagnosis but a decision made with her medical team for her ongoing care. She stated they were confident she could expect a straightforward recovery.
An Outpouring of Support and Personal Reflection
Amy's update was met with an immediate flood of support from fans and colleagues alike. Strictly host Claudia Winkleman left a message of three red heart emojis.
Earlier in the week, Amy had shared a glimpse of her initial recovery from her hospital bed, where she was watched the Celebrity Traitors final with her husband, Ben, and other family members by her side.
Last month, the dancer opened up about her disappointment after being the first contestant eliminated from the current series of Strictly with partner Thomas Skinner. She confessed to feeling she was "letting down" other cancer patients, having wanted to represent and inspire the cancer community with her journey on the show.
Amy concluded her recent announcement with an optimistic look to the future, writing: "Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family."
