Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw has emotionally admitted that there is 'nothing normal about life' as she undergoes treatment for breast cancer. The 52-year-old, who played Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap from 1995 to 2003, appeared on Thursday's edition of Lorraine to give an update on her health.
Shaw, who announced her diagnosis earlier this year, told host Lorraine Kelly: 'Unless you've been there, you don't know how awful it really feels because there's nothing normal about your life anymore when you're going through chemo.' Despite the challenges, she considers herself 'very, very lucky' and is focused on raising awareness and calling for increased government funding for cancer research.
The actress, who has also appeared in theatre and dramas such as Mile High and Casualty, said: 'There's so many people diagnosed with a lot worse than I am... every day I just wake up and thank God that I've been given this opportunity.' She stressed the importance of funding for scientists and charities, adding: 'If we had more funding... we would stand more of a chance for ladies and gentleman to live today.'
Shaw's update comes days after she tearfully admitted she had 'no strength left' following a trip to A&E. She described the side effects of chemotherapy, including thrush in her nose, mouth, ears and head, and said she felt 'as vulnerable as a baby'. The mother of two relied on a neighbour for help after her son was away at a wedding, and faced a setback when a pharmacy did not have her prescription in stock.
