Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has confirmed her second mastectomy operation was successful, sharing a positive update from her hospital bed on Thursday evening.
The 35-year-old Welsh dancer reassured supporters that the procedure had gone well and she was recuperating with plenty of rest.
In a social media post, Ms Dowden expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received, apologising for not responding to individual messages as she had only recently checked her phone.
She revealed her husband and family members were caring for her during her recovery, whilst close friends had visited with gifts to lift her spirits during her hospital stay.
Amy Dowden announced her surgery news earlier this week
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The dancer emphasised that this surgical procedure was not related to any new cancer diagnosis, making this distinction clear in a video message shared earlier in the week.
Following consultations with her medical team, the decision was made to proceed with another mastectomy as a recommended course of action.
In her latest update, Ms Dowden said: “Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I’ve not replied to anyone, (only just looked at my phone). surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up.
“Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching the traitors keeping the tradition going.” (sic)
Inevitably, it didn’t take long for fans, famous faces, and Strictly co-stars to share their messages of support. The likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Claudia Winkleman were just two who shared a series of love-heart emojis in response.
Meanwhile, reigning Strictly champion Dianne Buswell replied to the update saying: “Heal and rest up Amy.”
Elsewhere, one of Ms Dowden’s fans penned: “The absolute strongest human ever. sending you SO much love- hope you have a speedy recovery.”
And a second echoed: “Love you Amy you are SO strong and so amazing. Sending all the healing vibes and love your way xxxx.” (sic)
The professional dancer, who initially received her cancer diagnosis in May 2023 after discovering a lump whilst on honeymoon, has been transparent about her health journey throughout her treatment.
She had been forced to miss the 2023 series of Strictly whilst undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment, which left her severely unwell. She later announced in October that year that medical tests showed “no evidence of disease”.
Ms Dowden made her return to the programme this year, partnered with The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner, though they became the first couple eliminated from the competition.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine about her comeback, she reflected: “I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.
“Two years ago, I look back now and again and my mouth was covered in ulcers, my hair was falling out, I was quite weak.”
She expressed her eagerness to return to the Strictly family once fully recovered from this latest procedure.