Amy Dowden had her eighth and final chemo treatment (Picture: Instagram/Amy Dowden)
Amy Dowden has reached a huge milestone in her treatment for stage 3 breast cancer.
After being diagnosed in May, the Strictly Come Dancing star has undergone a mastectomy and now is coming to the end of her eight rounds of chemotherapy.
The monumental day left Amy, 33, feeling emotional as she waited to ring the bell – something many cancer patients do to signify the end of their treatment.
Smiling in front of the Sheldon Unit, situated in Birmingham, Amy held up eight fingers.
‘It’s chemo number 8! The last one! We are finally here. I’ve cried all morning!’ she wrote.
‘Right an afternoon of chemo and then I’m so lucky and grateful to be able to ring that bell! Will never take it for granted!’
Amy was supported by husband Ben (Picture: Instagram/Amy Dowden)
She was being accompanied by her husband Ben Jones, who proudly placed his arm around Amy as they embarked on the important day together.
Amy also took time to thank the medical staff that have guided her through what she previously deemed ‘the toughest year of my life.’
‘Thank you to the incredible Sheldon Unit! You are all amazing #nhs, all #trueheroes 💖. Right here goes! See you all later.’
She also showed her appreciation by bringing in cupcakes for all the staff to enjoy.
Amy showed her appreciation for the medical staff (Picture: Instagram/Amy Dowden)
Ahead of the chemotherapy, which takes several hours, Amy was being sent special messages of encouragement. Her twin sister Becky wrote a special card which detailed just how proud she was.
‘I have always said how strong and inspirational you are to me and now the world can see it,’ she penned.
‘You have used the hardest time of your life to be a beacon of hope to others – the most selfless thing anyone can do. You have raised so much awareness and the amount of lives that may have been saved is down to you.’
Becky sent Amy a special message (Picture: Instagram/Amy Dowden)
Becky and Amy have a close relationship (Picture: Instagram/Becky Dowden)
Becky highlighted just how much work Amy had put into spreading important messages, and she continued to do it today.
Sharing a photo with her two friends Amy wrote: ‘Today all three of us ring that chemo bell! 32,35 and 26 when all diagnosed with breast cancer so please this is a note from us three to check your chest! Cancer doesn’t discriminate! Our wish to you all is the remember to monthly check!’
Amy will still be required to visit the specialised unit once a month for the next five years to continue treatment, and Becky wrote that while ‘there is still a road ahead, we are all with you.’
The comments section of her social media posts were also flooded with support. Dianne Buswell, who previously shared her hope that Amy would be back on the Strictly dance floor full time very soon wrote: ‘Makes me so so happy 💗💗💗💗💗💗.’
‘👏👏👏 you’re incredible! ❤️,’ added It Takes Two host Fleur East.
‘Bloody fantastic news!!! You are one strong young lady and an inspiration – ring it loud 🔔,’ shared former Strictly pro, James Jordan.
Her former partner Tom Fletcher communicated that Amy was in his thoughts: ‘Thinking of you today! Go ring that bell!!! 🤘💖’
Amy will return to Strictly when she feels ready (Picture: Shutterstock)
Yesterday, Amy went to a personal training session and shared her hopes for the future.
‘I’ve got a long journey ahead. I’m going to be patient and kind to myself,’ she promised.
While previously talking to Davina McCall on the Stand Up To Cancer live show, she said: ‘I’m just really hoping with the surgery that I’ve already had and the chemo that I’ve done enough.’
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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‘We are finally here.’