20 August 2023 , 11:13
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Amy Dowden has candidly shared her heartache over her hair loss as she undergoes chemotherapy.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, is currently undergoing chemotherapy after she revealed she had been diagnosed with "another type of cancer" after undergoing mastectomy and fertility treatment. Amy has since began a cycle of chemotherapy and has been incredibly honest with fans about her journey so far.
Today the star has shared a lengthy health update, where she shared her heartache as she noticed her hair has begun shedding, which can be a side effect of chemotherapy. 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 me open and honest with you all from start. So this cycle, I started feeling sick as soon as 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.
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Amy Dowden is currently undergoing chemotherapy (Instagram/ @amy_dowden)
The Strictly star has been open about her journey (Instagram/ @amy_dowden)"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 round. But I've managed some walks, lovely homemade soups and smoothies and feeling and feeling even better today! The little wins!"
In another post, Amy continued: "What I've found harder this time round and the last few days is the hair shredding. Even thought I'm cold capping you hope to keep %50 [sic] of your hair and there are also so many benefits to the hair growing back quicker too. But as much as I prepared myself everyday gently combing my hair with a wide comb and seeing what coms is is just heart breaking personally for me," she wrote. "I'm only washing my hair once max twice a week, not using any heat on my hair or styling it so I just don't feel like me. So it's time to bring out the wig I say and get used to this and help me feel like me. I know this won't last forever but during this time and knowing normally these few months are my favourite time of the year and i feel myself wishing these months away just hurts so much."
Amy shared her heartache over her hair loss (Instagram/ @amy_dowden)
Giving a candid insight, Amy posted a video of strands of her hair in the sink (Instagram/ @amy_dowden)She continued to explain she has told herself that the way she looks doesn't change "who I am inside" and insisted she is "still Amy!" However, she candidly wrote how she woke up some days and had "forgotten" for the first few seconds "then suddenly it all hits you" – from the day ahead to the challenges she is bravely facing.
Amy admitted she has "had a few morning cries" but added how she's learning "that's ok too". Looking to the future, Amy continued: "I've got some dates in the diary on my good periods I'm working towards and I feel this will really help me and the person I am. Something to look forward and work towards I know through the otherside [sic] I'll become a better, stronger person and will feel and look like Amy again".
Sharing her gratitude for the support she's received from everyone since sharing her second diagnosis, which meant she required chemotherapy, Amy said: "Thank you again for all the lovely messages asking how I am, want to be open and honest and hopefully help others going through or those supporting those on their journeys too! Today is a good morning! Scrambled eggs is on its way to me", she playfully wrote at the end of the lengthy message.
"Again thanks to my family, friends and you guys 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 know every [sic] know! Not taken for granted and really appreciated and noticed! You truly see how lucky you are to have with amazing loved ones around you! Love to you all," the dancer added in another post.
Amy then posted a video to show strands of her hair in the sink next to a wide comb and wrote under the clip: "The reality when I gently comb" followed by a broken heart emoji.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.