Tracy Shaw has shared an encouraging update with fans following her initial chemotherapy session for breast cancer.
The 52-year-old actress, best known for portraying Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street, revealed she spent more than eight hours at the hospital on Wednesday, arriving at 9am and departing at 5:30pm.
"First day of chemo done. I'm feeling alright but that has a great amount to do with the steroids which are helping my body fight the chemo that has gone in," she told her Instagram followers.
The former soap star explained there had been a delay during her appointment due to one of her chemotherapy injections not arriving on time, attributing the issue to the delivery service rather than hospital staff.
Despite the lengthy session, Ms Shaw said she remained "really positive" about her treatment.
The actress described experiencing an unusual metallic taste affecting everything she eats since beginning treatment.
"Everything tastes of metal, just like you told me," she said, addressing followers who had warned her about this common chemotherapy side effect.
Ms Shaw also noted feeling surges of energy from the steroid medication, comparing herself to the comic book character the Incredible Hulk.
Tracy Shaw revealed recently she has been diagnosed with breast cancer
| GETTY"Every now and again I feel like the Incredible Hulk, I want to start moving furniture around," she explained.
Even her pets have noticed a difference in her demeanour, with Ms Shaw revealing that her dogs are keeping their distance because they can sense something has changed.
She concluded her update by sending love to others undergoing chemotherapy and praising the "angel" nurses caring for her.
Prior to starting chemotherapy, Ms Shaw took control of one aspect of her cancer journey by cutting her hair and donating it to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides wigs for children who have lost their hair.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Tracy Shaw updated fans about her health
|INSYTAGRAM
The mother of two explained her reasoning in a social media post: "Tomorrow I will have my hair cut because it's the only choice I have with cancer, before it takes my hair, my identity away that I've had the last 52yrs."
She has since been shopping for replacement wigs, sharing footage of herself trying on various styles with assistance from a Macmillan nurse who provided guidance for others facing similar circumstances.
"The fight will continue, Thank you, you're all wonderful," Ms Shaw wrote to her supporters. (sic)
Ms Shaw first revealed her diagnosis in April, disclosing that she has HER2-positive breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease driven by a protein that promotes cancer cell growth.
The actress is best known for playing Maxine Peacock in Coronation Street | GETTYIn the weeks before treatment commenced, she spoke candidly about her emotional struggles, admitting she had spent mornings in tears contemplating what lay ahead.
The actress, who has previously spoken openly about overcoming anorexia, bulimia, alcoholism and drug dependency, drew a distinction between those recoveries and her current battle, noting that cancer offers no quick resolution.
Her former Coronation Street colleagues have rallied around her since the news emerged. Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, posted: "Sending love to you Tracy."
Sally Ann Matthews, known for portraying Jenny Bradley, added: "Love you baby girl x."