Amy Dowden reveals cancer has ‘changed her forever’ and insists she’ll never take anything ‘for granted’ again after fearing she wouldn’t make it to Christmas

Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas

As I sat down to watch Amy Dowden‘s journey unfold on that screen, I couldn’t help but feel a lump forming in my throat. Here was a woman, a dancer, a fighter, facing one of life’s most challenging adversaries – cancer.


Amy Dowden shared that cancer has left a lasting impact on her, emphasizing that she will always appreciate each moment more deeply since she once worried she might not celebrate Christmas.

In May 2023, the Strictly Come Dancing celebrity, aged 34, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, marking the most challenging year in her life. During this period, Amy underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatments, and narrowly escaped death from sepsis.

In her latest interview, Amy shared that she’s embracing a hopeful perspective on life following her recovery, acknowledging that she is no longer harboring resentment towards the illness.

Amy opened up to Prima magazine about how her cancer journey has transformed her, stating: “Cancer has left an indelible mark on me. From now on, I’ll appreciate every person and thing around me more deeply, and I’ve come to understand my personal value. In the past, you might have overlooked me, but today I am aware of my resilience.”

Last May, just a day before their honeymoon, the dancer discovered a lump in her breast. After receiving treatment, she received a clean bill of health this year.

Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas

Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas

However, though she has passed the most severe stage, the captivating Welsh woman openly confessed moments when she doubted she could overcome the sickness, as dark thoughts surrounded her.

Speaking of those tough periods, Amy shared her thoughts: “For countless nights, I pondered, ‘Will I see Christmas this year? Will I be able to dance once more?’ Now, I no longer spend my nights fretting about such things.”

As a lifestyle expert, I enthusiastically share my personal journey of moving past those distressing thoughts and how my cancer experience has surprisingly given me a new perspective on handling my Crohn’s disease. In essence, the cancer journey made me prioritize my health concerns, with my Crohn’s disease taking a back seat in comparison to the urgency of managing my cancer.

The star eagerly anticipates the future and can hardly contain excitement for returning to the Strictly dance floor later in the year.

Stepping over to the other side now, I find myself unable to harbor anger anymore. The past is set in stone, and I can’t alter it, all I can do is move forward. My life lies ahead, and I can’t afford to waste any more moments dwelling on what has already been taken.

Apart from “Dancing In The Rain,” Amy has penned down a book detailing her personal journey. This book serves as a reflection of her experiences, and she remembers how the act of writing played a significant role in her healing journey, offering her a sense of ‘meaning’ or ‘importance’.

She expressed: ‘When you’re battling a long-term illness or cancer, it can feel like everyone else is moving on without you. Your regular life slips away, and you may lose your sense of direction. I’m typically quite active, but found myself getting up each day without doing the things I enjoy. The book provided me with a new purpose during a very isolating and difficult period.’

On Monday evening, Amy’s supporters found themselves moved to tears and praising her as an inspiration, as she courageously shared her breast cancer experience in the poignant BBC documentary titled “Cancer and Me.”

Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas
Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas
Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas
Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas

Amy chose to invite cameras into her life, allowing them to capture her battle against the illness. The movie trailed Amy as she progressed through various phases of her struggle with the disease.

The movie contained some deeply emotional scenes, such as Amy undergoing her initial chemotherapy treatment, enduring tense periods of waiting for test results, and bravely shaving her head to cope with her hair loss.

As events transpired, numerous spectators hastened to the platform once called Twitter, nowadays recognized simply as Twitter, to express their awe for the Welsh dancer. Many acknowledged shedding tears while witnessing her battle with ill health.

They penned: ‘Tough watch, but what an inspiration.’

‘Oh my dear Lord, #AmyDowden is such an inspiration, Bless her heart. Am sobbing Xx.’

‘Sat here watching Strictly Amy : cancer and me, and I’m crying. Love you, Amy.’

Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas
Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas
Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas
Amy Dowden reveals cancer has 'changed her forever' and insists she'll never take anything 'for granted' again after fearing she wouldn't make it to Christmas

‘This Amy Dowden story is a tough watch. Gulp. What an incredibly strong & brave woman.’

Wow, Amy Dowden is truly inspiring! I’ve been moved to tears for the first 14 minutes of this show, but her strength shines through.

At a deeply touching instance, the dancer finds herself overcome with tears during the process of getting a cold cap prior to her initial chemotherapy treatment.

As her mother and nurses console her, the star finds it hard to hold back her tears. With Amy weeping, she expresses her reluctance by saying, “I don’t wish to go through with this.”

In other parts of the documentary, the Welsh beauty is captured balding her head prior to a dance performance in the garden, enveloped by affectionate company from her nearest and dearest.

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2024-08-28 03:34

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