Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw has shared the stark reality of her cancer treatment, revealing she is battling shingles alongside chemotherapy side effects. The 52-year-old, best known for playing Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap from 1995 to 2003, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and began a five-month chemotherapy regimen after tests showed she is HER2 positive.
Chemotherapy Side Effects and Hospital Visit
Shaw, who also had a brief pop career and appeared in Casualty and Doctors, documented her struggles on Instagram. Following her first chemo dose, she was rushed to A&E. She described the aftermath: "I'm absolutely starving, I can't eat. I have thrush in my mouth and my lips are chapped. I woke up feeling like I had pneumonia." She added that her immune system was struggling and she needed to stay home.
Second Round of Chemo and Shingles Diagnosis
After her second chemotherapy session, Shaw posted on June 23: "Day 6 after chemo all the same side effects, plus shingles with blisters... You were right, it’s definitely a s**t show. 2nd time round knowing kind of helps but nothing assists in the endurance of your body falling apart in every way." She expressed gratitude for the treatment opportunity, noting many do not have it.
Support from Fans
Fans rallied around Shaw. One wrote: "You are looking a lot better this week and your smile is so bright. You’ve got this lovely." Another commented: "Your beautiful smile is still there. Sorry you’ve had it so rough again, but you’ll be stronger for it all." A third added: "It’ll be another one down and you have some good days to look forward to. Stay strong, you’ve got this."
Treatment Plan
Shaw previously explained her treatment plan: five months of chemo, followed by surgery to remove lumps and lymph nodes for further testing, and possibly radiotherapy. She told fans: "Originally, I was going to have surgery in two weeks, but because my results have come back that I am HER2 positive, it means I have to have chemo for five months."
