Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has opened up about the devastating impact of her breast cancer treatment, revealing that normality has completely disappeared from her life since beginning chemotherapy.
The 52-year-old actress, beloved by viewers for her portrayal of Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap between 1995 and 2003, shared an update with fans on Thursday.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday, Ms Shaw said: "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."
The actress announced her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year and has since been documenting her treatment journey publicly.
Tracy Shaw appeared on ITV to discuss her cancer diagnosis
|ITV
Wearing a colourful headscarf and bright makeup, Ms Shaw acknowledged the difficult path ahead whilst speaking on the programme.
Ms Shaw revealed she experienced a severe reaction to her initial chemotherapy dose, describing the ordeal as deeply unpleasant.
She explained: "First dose, they don't really know how your body's going to react, so it's a real big tester."
The actress described developing thrush throughout her nose, mouth, ears and head, leaving her with virtually no energy.
Tracy Shaw has been sharing regular updates on her cancer journey with her Instagram followers
| INSTAGRAMJust days before her television appearance, Ms Shaw had shared an emotional video on social media following another trip to A&E on day 10 after her treatment.
She admitted: "There is no strength and there is no... It feels like I'm as vulnerable as a baby."
The former soap star said she has been unable to taste food, surviving on a basic diet of eggs, plain crisps and bread, whilst finding it extremely difficult to tolerate noise or company.
Shaw recalled how the cancer was initially discovered, explaining that the lump was located beneath her breast rather than on it, which led her to delay seeking medical attention.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Tracy Shaw revealed recently she has been diagnosed with breast cancer | GETTYShe told Lorraine: "I thought, 'well, it can't be,' so I postponed it, just thinking it'll be okay, but actually, this lump was kind of on the top of my rib."
When she eventually visited her GP, doctors were primarily focused on investigating cysts rather than the lump itself.
Ms Shaw disclosed that she had been taking hormone replacement therapy at the time, which was feeding the cancer although not causing it.
The actress explained: "So the cysts were tight and sore, so that's the reason I went. It wasn't really necessarily because of the lump, and the mammogram discovered the lump."
Tracy appeared in good spirits on Thursday
|ITV
Despite her struggles, Ms Shaw expressed profound gratitude for her situation, acknowledging that many others face far worse diagnoses.
She said: "I consider myself very, very lucky and very fortunate. There's so many people diagnosed with a lot worse than I am."
The actress has received overwhelming support from her sons Louis and Luca Alexander, as well as followers on social media who have been sharing their own experiences.
Shaw praised cancer survivors who have reached out with practical advice and tips during her treatment, crediting them with helping her navigate the challenging process.
She also used her platform to call for increased government investment in cancer research, arguing that greater funding would give more patients the chance to survive.