24 January 2024 , 19:12
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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden said she's feeling 'grateful' as she shared an update on her hair growth with fans.
The professional dancer has been taking some time off to focus on her health after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May. The 33-year-old Welsh star has since had a full mastectomy and recently rang the bell spelling the end of her chemo treatment, but will still need treatment for the next five years.
In a new post shared with her 652,000 followers on her Instagram Stories, the star shared a short clip showcasing her growing hair. She said: "Also so grateful for the hair growth so far. My eyelashes and brows are back and the hair is growing. This is for anyone going through treatment...
"Remember, like I keep telling myself 'This too shall pass.' This is 11 weeks since my last chemo."
Amy said she's feeling 'grateful' as she shared her hair growth progress (amy_dowden/Instagram)
She also posted pictures from December (amy_dowden/Instagram)Amy also posted three photos showcasing the difference, with one taken on December 6, one taken on Christmas Day and one taken today (Jan 24). "Can't believe it," she wrote. "The regrowth felt so slow but looking back it's unreal and it's helping me feel more positive."
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Along with updates on her gruelling journey, Amy has been open about her heartache over the hair loss. In August, Amy posted a lengthy update on her health and shared her heartache as she noticed her hair was shedding, which can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
The star has been open about her heartache over her hair loss (amy_dowden/Instagram)
She was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in May (amy_dowden/Instagram)According to the NHS, "some cancer treatments can make your hair fall out, but wigs, cold caps and other products are available to help you cope". In the lengthy post, she wrote: "Thanks for all the lovely messages, a little update on cycle 2
"Wanted to be open and honest with you all from the start. So this cycle, I started feeling sick as soon as a second lot of 'red devil' was going in. Got home very tired and started being sick ( even with all the anti-sickness) by Friday afternoon the sickness stopped and just waves of nausea.
"Still taking anti-sickness now," she wrote. "Hardly any sleep due to steroids and the insomnia they bring with them. Didn't have any last cycle but some lovely mouth ulcer friends this time around. But I've managed some walks, lovely homemade soups and smoothies and feeling and feeling even better today! The little wins!"
Amy discovered the lump in her breast the day before she and her husband Benjamin Jones went on their belated Maldives honeymoon. Discussing her future plans she said: "I just want to get myself back on that dance floor. It would be amazing to win Strictly, but winning will just be being back with the gang dancing, doing what I love in front of an audience with the people I love. I’ve just missed it so much.”