Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has shared an emotional update as she prepares to begin chemotherapy following her breast cancer diagnosis. The actress, now 52, is best known for playing Maxine Peacock on the long-running ITV drama from 1995 to 2003. During her time on the cobbles, Maxine became one of the show's most memorable characters, known for dramatic storylines and a tragic exit.
A Heartfelt Revelation
Last month, Tracy revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, she has kept followers updated with honest posts about her experience. In a new Instagram video, the former soap star admitted she spent the morning in tears as the reality of her treatment sank in. Wearing a headscarf, she clarified she hadn't shaved her hair but lacked energy to style it before her hospital appointment.
Speaking candidly, she said: 'I'm just going to be me, and my truth is...by the way, I've not shaved my hair off, I've just put a scarf on just because I've not done anything with it and I'm going to hospital.'
The Emotional Toll
Tracy described the draining effect of constant hospital visits and uncertainty. 'Each morning I wake up and know that I have to go into hospital and receive more news, which has been going on for a long time, that unknown...I just think 'I can't go through with this anymore,' but I've not even started my journey.'
She shared that she is trying to process the next stage of treatment. 'I've had a good cry. I'll go in later today and I'll meet some other ladies who will start the treatment with me – chemo. And I'll find out the date. 50% of me wants to get going.'
Facing HER2-Positive Cancer
Tracy spoke openly about fears that creep in while waiting for treatment. Battling HER2-positive breast cancer, she said: 'When I wake up and I've got really bad headaches or I can feel another twinge in my other boob, I just think 'Oh, it's moving!'' She praised medical teams and advances in cancer research. 'With HER2 cancer, we don't really know what it's doing... I thank God for everyone who has raised money in the past for charities to be able to help scientists find new drugs to give women and gentlemen like us a chance.'
A History of Resilience
Away from Coronation Street, Tracy dabbled in music, releasing a cover of Happenin' All Over Again, and appeared in TV dramas including Casualty, Doctors, and Mile High. She has also spoken about past struggles with addiction. Comparing it to cancer, she explained: 'All forms of cancer are awful. Most of the time, I get on with life but then I think that's probably what we do. But the fact is when you wake up in the morning and you think 'It hasn't gone away.''
Despite the fear, Tracy focuses on taking things one step at a time. 'So today, I'll be going into the hospital and I'll be seeing my wonderful oncologist, and some other wonderful women on this journey with me, and I will face the next base camp.'
Shaving Her Hair
In an additional post, Tracy shared that she will shave her hair. She captioned the post: 'Tomorrow I will have my hair cut because it's the only choice I have with cancer, before it takes my hair, my identity away that I've had the last 52 years. The fight will continue, Thank you, you're all wonderful.'
Support from Co-Stars
Following her diagnosis, many former Coronation Street co-stars rallied around her. Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, wrote: 'Sending love to you Tracy.' Sally Ann Matthews also shared support: 'Love you baby girl x.' Fans have flooded her social media with messages praising her honesty and bravery.
