changing decision about health and having children

In a poignant new BBC documentary, professional dancer Amy Dowden opens up about her battle with breast cancer, revealing the emotional turmoil surrounding her diagnosis and its impact on her future. The Strictly Come Dancing star, who recently celebrated her marriage and dreams of starting a family, was devastated to discover a lump in her breast just before her honeymoon. Following her diagnosis, Amy underwent a mastectomy and began chemotherapy, allowing cameras to capture her journey just six days later. As she navigated her treatment, Amy faced the harsh reality of potential fertility issues due to chemotherapy. In a heart-wrenching moment, she recalled a conversation with her doctor about the implications for her and her husband Ben's hopes of having children. The couple was confronted with the difficult decision of pursuing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy, a choice that would involve daily injections to stimulate her ovaries. Despite the challenges, Amy bravely opted for the fertility procedure, acknowledging the emotional and physical toll it would take on her body. She shared her ongoing recovery journey, having just completed chemotherapy in November, and the necessity of continued hormone injections for the next five years. The documentary highlights the risks associated with pregnancy during this time, as increased hormones could elevate the chances of cancer recurrence, a concern that her oncologist has advised against. Through her candid reflections, Amy Dowden's story sheds light on the complexities of battling cancer while holding onto dreams of family and motherhood.