Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw has shared an emotional update after undergoing her first chemotherapy session following her breast cancer diagnosis. The 52-year-old, who was diagnosed with the disease last month, admitted she is 'feeling the effects' of the treatment and highlighted potential dangers she must monitor.
Health Challenges and Side Effects
Tracy revealed that she now requires regular heart scans and must closely monitor her body temperature due to side effects. In a video posted on Instagram, she said: 'Yesterday I had my first injection of chemo. It's one which affects my heart so I have to have my heart checked on a regular basis for scans. It really wiped me, I don't know if it's because I had to go back into hospital and it's so hot in there.'
She also expressed frustration with the NHS: 'Why doesn't the government just look after the guys at the NHS a little bit more and invest a bit more into our hospitals? So many people go private and spend a lot of money on this.'
Tracy explained that her chemotherapy regimen typically involves three doses on the same day, but she felt unwell. Her son Luca accompanied her to the hospital. 'I'm feeling the effects today. I've taken my first injection to help my immune system. Basically from tomorrow I can't really socialize. My immune system will be really low. The other thing is temperatures,' she said.
She warned that she must call an emergency number if her temperature drops or rises, as it could indicate sepsis. 'My body is now going to war with that thing in me which doesn't belong in here,' she added.
Emotional Updates and Support
In her Instagram caption, Tracy thanked fans for their support: 'Thank you for all your love and support. Extremely long update unfortunately, but I'm struggling to reply to everyone individually, grab a cuppa and a biscuit or scroll if you'd like. Sending all my love to everyone on the same journey with chemo and cancer in general.'
She also called on the government to invest more in the NHS: 'Main points Parliament, Labour? Why aren't you investing in the NHS? Hospital and staff. Dogs detect cancer listen, watch their signals, they are in tune with our body's. Blessed to have two amazing sons Luca & Louis.'
Tracy advised others undergoing chemo: 'Check your temperature, listen to the guidelines. I'm about to go into a mini lockdown to protect immunity while the chemo does a fantastic job at attacking the 2 lumps in breast so hopefully further down the line I can have surgery.'
First Day of Chemotherapy
On Thursday, Tracy announced she had completed her first day of chemotherapy, which lasted from 9am to 5:30pm. She said she felt 'really positive' but noted that everything she eats 'tastes horrible' due to a metallic flavor. She also experienced bursts of energy, comparing herself to the Incredible Hulk.
She praised the NHS staff: 'The nurses are amazing and everyone who works there I just don't know how they do it every day, they are obviously angels to have that patience with what I would call one of the most extreme jobs to do and yet they don't get paid for that in the way that they should do. So let's big up the NHS everyone.'
Previous Emotional Reveal
Last week, Tracy broke down in tears as she revealed her upcoming chemotherapy. She admitted, 'I can't go through this anymore,' but expressed determination to start treatment. Doctors found HER2 in her cells, a protein that promotes cancer growth, necessitating chemo before surgery and possible radiotherapy.
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting over two million women annually. In the UK, there are more than 55,000 new cases each year, with 11,500 deaths. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes significantly. Symptoms include a painless lump, and diagnosis involves mammograms and biopsies. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.
