Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has shared an emotional update regarding her breast cancer journey, revealing that planned surgery is currently on hold as her tumours have not reduced in size. The 52-year-old actress, known for her role as Maxine Peacock in the long-running ITV soap, first disclosed her diagnosis in April this year.
In a video posted on social media following an ultrasound scan, Shaw tearfully explained the disappointing news. She had hoped for significant shrinkage of the lesions in her left breast after undergoing chemotherapy, but the scan indicated that while their shape had changed from circular to oval, their overall size had not diminished as expected. This means that surgical intervention is not possible at this stage.
Adding to her concerns, Shaw also reported finding new lumps in her right breast. However, she shared some positive news on this front, confirming that these new discoveries were benign cysts. Despite this small relief, the focus remains on the primary tumours, which require further treatment to shrink before surgery can be considered.
Shaw has been openly documenting her chemotherapy experience and the challenges she faces since her initial diagnosis, offering regular insights to her followers. Her recent update garnered an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, including actress Kym Marsh, who sent messages of encouragement. Shaw concluded her update by expressing hope for a future 'miraculous miracle' and shared that she sought comfort in retail therapy and a food shop.
Tracy Shaw rose to prominence through her role in Coronation Street, which she held from 1995 until her character's dramatic exit in 2003. Beyond the soap, she has appeared in other television productions and pursued a brief singing career in the late 1990s.