Amy Dowden has stated that she experienced a ‘life-threatening’ setback in her cancer treatment.
Following her stage three breast cancer diagnosis, the Strictly Come Dancing star has been candid with her fans, discussing her mastectomy and chemotherapy.
In a fresh update, the 33-year-old stated that she developed sepsis immediately after her first round of chemotherapy.
In a recent interview, the professional dancer recounted how she felt unwell after the treatment and her fever climbed to 37.5 degrees Celsius, which she had no idea could be ‘fatal’ to a chemotherapy patient.
‘I just thought it was my reaction to chemo, but as it turned out, I had already got an infection,’ she told Hello! magazine.
In the days after her first round, Amy said that she ‘couldn’t believe’ how good she was feeling, as Strictly producers checked in on her and she sent them video messages in response.
However, her symptoms worsened over time, with Amy describing feeling “freezing cold” as well as “clammy and shaking.”
Amy’s parents were urged to call an ambulance, and while she was encouraged to go to hospital, she first refused, adding, ‘I didn’t want to go into hospital; at the time, I didn’t comprehend how bad I was.’
She added that they now know she had an infection before starting chemotherapy, but they don’t know when or how it started.
Amy was brought to Walsall Manor Hospital and treated with an antibiotic drip for a viral illness, but her family was subsequently notified that she was being treated for sepsis.
According to the magazine, Amy’s parents were informed that their daughter was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and that her blood pressure was extremely low.
How to check your breasts for signs of cancer
CoppaFeel! offers three simple steps on how to check your own chest for signs of cancer.
Look
- Look at your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Look at the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in size, outline or shape and changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling.
Feel
- Feel each of your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Feel the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling, or any lumps, bumps or skin thickening which are different from the opposite side.
Notice your nipples
- Look at each of your nipples.
Be aware of any nipple discharge that’s not milky, any bleeding from the nipple, any rash or crusting on or around your nipple area that doesn’t heal easily and any change in the position of your nipple
‘The doctors and nurses were telling me I had sepsis and that it was life-threatening, but I wasn’t taking it in,’ she said.
Amy was able to return home before being sent to the hospital on her birthday, Thursday, August 10, when her temperature rose.
The performer was allowed to return home and resume her chemotherapy treatment.
She explained how having Crohn’s disease already means she has a weakened immune system, and how she has started to lose more hair and wear a wig.
Writing on Instagram about her recent cancer treatment setback, Amy shared: ‘I recently suffered a setback in my cancer treatment and spent several days in hospital and needing care by an ICU team.’
Commenting on the post, one person wrote: ‘The strongest I know ❤️ Endless love and positivity sent your way beautiful. 💖.’
Someone else said: ‘Lots of love. Chemo and its treatment is scary and tough and often has lots of complications sadly. Really glad you got in hospital in time.
‘Really shows how important not leaving a temperature is on chemo as can be really serious. Hope round 2 wasn’t as bad. Lots of love ❤️.’
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.
Source My Celebrity Life.