Tracy Shaw broke down in tears after discovering that her chemotherapy treatment has not worked as well as she had hoped. The actress, 52, best known for playing Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street, announced earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Scan Results Reveal Mixed News
Earlier in the week, the soap icon told followers she was due to undergo further scans on Thursday to see if the disease had reduced or spread. In an emotional new post, Tracy explained there was some "good news" but ultimately had expected the intensive treatment to have worked better because of how much she has been through physically.
Speaking in a video posted to Instagram, she said: "Good morning, everyone. So as I told you all, I had my ultrasounds today to find out if the lesions had shrunk. I also needed to check a lump that I'd found on the other breast, which is on the right breast. The good news is that the lump, well there's actually quite a lot, are all cysts, so that's good news and the lesions on my left breast...erm..."
"Well, my expectations were that judging by what personally I've gone through and what the chemo does, I thought they'd shrunk but basically they've gone from being circular to oval but not really shrunk in size. I don't know what I was expecting. I think I'm just expecting some results of what I've felt, some results of what the body has had to go through to!"
Emotional Update and Support
Tracy, who also enjoyed a brief pop career with a cover of the Lonnie Gordon track Happenin' All Over Again before appearing in Casualty and Doctors as well as starring in theatre productions, eventually let the tears roll as she acquiesced that some sort of miracle will come along eventually.
She said: "I don't know...maybe, maybe a few more rounds will be all it takes but I know they can't operate until they shrink it. I thought I'd give you a live update but I was just expecting some miracularlous miracle. But maybe it's to come. All my love to you all."
Tracy was instantly supported by friends and fans in the comments. Sally Ann Matthews, who played Jenny Bradley on Coronation Street, wrote: "Stick in there kidda xxxxx," while Drag Race star Baga Chipz said: "I'm giving you the biggest hug. Stay strong hun [heart emoji]." One follower said: "I'm so sorry you didn't get the results you wanted to hear. You're such a brave and incredible woman. Your miracle is on its way," and another said: "Sending so much love and strength to you. All your pink sisters are here sending you love and healing!" A fourth said: "Trust the process, everybody's body works slightly differently so just go with the flow. It's a tough path to walk but you are doing so well. just keep going. Sending healing thoughts your way."
