Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw, best known for her role as Maxine Peacock, has given fans a heartfelt update after a trip to A&E during her courageous battle with breast cancer. The actress, who played the beloved character for eight years in Weatherfield, was involved in dramatic storylines including her marriage to Ashley (Steven Arnold) before her chilling murder at the hands of serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron).
Sharing Her Journey
In April, Tracy opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis and has since been using her platform to document her journey, including donating her hair to The Little Princess Trust. Yesterday, she shared an emotional video showing the harsh reality of chemotherapy after a visit to A&E.
'Chemo side effects. Day 10 after chemo. Another trip to A&E,' she wrote in the caption. 'Every trip needs blood and heart checked. All ok, just side effects. More prescriptions…thank you to all you ladies for your medical advice. More funding for the NHS government please. Thank you for all the staff in A&E. Thank you to my neighbours, Robbie especially.'
The Gruelling Effects
The video captured her raw emotion and the physical toll of treatment. 'Day 10 after chemo, another trip to A&E, most of the day asleep,' she said, fighting tears. 'I've got cream for thrush. All in my nose, all in my mouth, my ears, my head. I have been constantly on the toilet. There's no strength left.'
She explained that chemotherapy kills everything, including the stomach lining, leaving her feeling 'as vulnerable as a baby.' She added, 'It's very difficult to be around people and to be around noises. You're so sensitive. Still can't taste anything or eat anything. It just feels really tough today.'
Support from Neighbours
Tracy thanked her neighbour Robbie for helping her get to A&E and for picking up her prescription. 'He went on his motorbike to some other chemist to try and get all the prescription, and this is just something that we just have to do,' she said. 'But this is really painful and I was just looking forward to not having the bone marrow pain.'
A Brighter Morning
Hours later, she shared another video after a good night's sleep, expressing joy and gratitude. 'Good morning everybody. I hope you all have a beautiful week and thank you so much for reaching out,' she began. 'I have managed to sleep very well.' She found joy in watching birds from her window, including blue tits and woodpeckers. 'In fact, sometimes when I've had the news from the hospital arrived back and my Robin waits for me at the front door. So I just wanted to share that life is beautiful and I'm really grateful for all of you.'
