Tracy Shaw, the beloved actress from Coronation Street who played Maxine Peacock, recently shared a heartfelt update on her health following her breast cancer diagnosis. After revealing the news last month, Tracy has now completed her first day of chemotherapy and opened up about what the experience was like.
In an Instagram video, Tracy candidly described her lengthy first treatment session, which lasted over eight hours due to a delay caused by a late medicine delivery—not the hospital staff. She said, “First day of chemo done. I’m feeling alright, thanks in large part to the steroids helping my body manage the treatment. I started at 9 a.m. and left at 5:30 p.m. It was a very hot day with some unavoidable delays.”
Tracy also spoke about some of the side effects she’s experiencing, including a metallic taste in her mouth that affects her appetite. “Everything tastes horrible, like metal, just as you all warned me,” she explained. “Sometimes I even feel like the Incredible Hulk, wanting to move furniture around, while the dogs keep their distance because they sense something’s different.”
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In a touching gesture, Tracy has decided to shave her hair and donate it to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that offers real hair wigs to children facing hair loss due to illness. She’s since been trying on various wigs, sharing clips online as she navigates these changes with support from a Macmillan nurse, who also provides advice to others undergoing similar journeys.
Earlier this month, Tracy opened up about the emotional toll of her diagnosis and treatment, sharing her feelings of uncertainty and struggle. “Each morning I wake up knowing I have to face more hospital visits and news. It’s an ongoing unknown… I think, ‘I can’t go through this anymore,’ yet I haven’t even truly begun this journey,” she disclosed.
Throughout her ordeal, Tracy has received an overwhelming amount of support from fans and followers. She often reflects on the importance of gratitude, emphasizing that every day she wakes up is a “gift.” Her bravery and openness continue to inspire many as she faces this challenging chapter head-on.