Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw has made a heartbreaking admission after being rushed to A&E while battling breast cancer. The 52-year-old, who played Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap, revealed she has 'no strength left' as she struggles with the side effects of chemotherapy following her diagnosis in April.
Tracy Shaw's Emotional Update
Taking to Instagram 10 days after completing her latest round of chemotherapy, Tracy tearfully shared her current state, admitting she feels 'as vulnerable as a baby.' She explained that doctors prescribed additional medication and opened up about the toll the treatment has taken on her body.
'Day 10 after chemo. Another trip to A&E... most of the day asleep. I've got cream for thrush all in my nose, my mouth, my ears, my head. I've been constantly on the toilet and there's no strength left,' she wrote.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Tracy detailed the harsh effects of chemotherapy, saying: 'In my head I thought there may be a break after maybe a week after chemo so this is the effects that the chemo has had on the body. The chemo kills everything, including the lining of my stomach. There is no strength.'
She added: 'It feels like I'm as vulnerable as a baby. It's very difficult being around people, around noises. [My ears], they're so sensitive.'
The actress also revealed she has lost her sense of taste and is struggling to eat, with her diet currently consisting of eggs, plain crisps, and bread.
Support from Neighbor
Tracy explained that she would normally turn to her son for help, but as he was attending a wedding, a neighbour stepped in to support her. She said: 'So without the help of my neighbour Robbie, who has no end of times I've had to call him for things, he had to get out of bed to get me to A&E and then we had hours in A&E, given a prescription. When we got it to a chemist, they hadn't got it in so he went on his motorbike to some other chemists to try and get hold of the prescription.'
She questioned: 'This is just something we have to do. I guess they don't give you every prescription that they think might happen. I don't know, is this because of money? I don't know.'
Tracy added: 'But this is really painful and I was just looking forward to not having to inject anymore and to stop having the bone marrow pain to then have these extra setbacks, really, which seems to be from what I hear from you survivors, that you have done on your own and survived this - you are just incredible.'
Outpouring of Support
Tracy's followers were quick to rally around her, including several Coronation Street stars who left heartfelt messages. Kym Marsh wrote: 'Sending love darling xx,' while Kate Ford echoed: 'Sending you my love xxx.' Simon Gregson added: 'Sending love, trace xx.' Antony Cotton commented: 'When you're going through hell...keep going. Love and power to you x.'
Tracy starred as Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street from 1995 to 2003, when her character was murdered by serial killer Richard Hillman.
