Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw is continuing to share her cancer journey with honesty, humour and plenty of heart, and fans are praising her positive attitude as she prepares to begin chemotherapy. The actress, best known for playing the unforgettable Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap between 1995 and 2003, has been documenting the emotional and practical side of life after her breast cancer diagnosis. From hospital visits to shaving her head, Tracy has opened up about every step with the kind of raw honesty that has resonated with many people going through similar experiences.
Preparing for Chemotherapy
Now, as chemotherapy gets closer, Tracy has been focusing on preparing herself physically and emotionally, while also making sure she still feels like herself through it all. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 52-year-old shared some of the advice and support she has received from the Macmillan team helping her through treatment. Alongside photos of a stunning blonde bob wig, makeup products and new accessories, Tracy explained how small things are helping her feel more confident ahead of the next stage of her journey. She wrote: ‘Prep before chemo…things I have learnt from the wonderful McMillan team who help in all areas of our lives. THANKYOU’
Wig Decision and Beauty Tips
One of the biggest decisions has been whether or not to wear a wig during treatment. Tracy revealed she had been fitted for one through Macmillan and the NHS, explaining that there are lots of different styles and colours available for cancer patients. Showing off the chic blonde bob, she joked: ‘I am still unsure whether I will be too hot? What do you think? No harm in owning Susie or Julie’ Fans were quick to tell her how amazing she looked, with many saying the wig completely suited her and praising her for keeping her sense of humour intact during such a difficult time.
Tracy also shared some beauty advice she had picked up from specially trained staff at Boots No7, who help chemotherapy patients deal with changes like eyebrow and eyelash loss during treatment. She explained: ‘Did you know Boots No 7 have trained McMillan staff for chemo Patients to help with loss of eyebrows and lashes! I was advised to use shadow for my brows otherwise it can look too harsh with no lashes or hair?’
Shopping and New Glasses
Alongside the practical tips, Tracy gave followers a glimpse into her day out shopping before treatment starts. Although she admitted she skipped buying a dress she had tried on, she joked that she instead bought tracksuit bottoms, calling it ‘typical me.’ She also revealed she had finally picked up some new reading glasses ahead of chemotherapy, explaining she had chosen larger frames to suit her new look. ‘Boots opticians, finally got round to buying new glasses, essential for seeing in general and reading during chemo. Gone larger frame with having no hair now. Order, collect next week,’ she shared.
Ending the post on a positive note, Tracy added: ‘Hope that helps someone on this journey. Day before chemo, had fun being me’
Head Shaving and Donation
Her latest update comes just days after she emotionally revealed she had shaved her head before chemotherapy could cause her hair to fall out naturally. Tracy explained she would be donating her hair to Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides wigs for children and young people experiencing hair loss. Sharing the emotional moment online, she wrote: ‘Hair will be donated to Little Princess Trust. Another step on this breast cancer journey. Goodbye for now, crazy hair. Before chemo takes you away completely, I will enjoy what is left for now.’
Emotional Challenges and Support
The actress went on to speak openly about how exhausting the constant appointments and uncertainty have become, admitting that some days feel overwhelming before treatment has even fully started. Despite the fear, Tracy has continued praising the doctors, nurses and support staff helping her through the process. She has also spoken about how much comfort she finds in meeting other women going through similar experiences.
Since announcing her diagnosis, support has poured in from fans and former Corrie co-stars alike. Samia Longchambon sent her love publicly, while former castmate Sally Ann Matthews commented: ‘Love you baby girl x.’
While the journey ahead will not be easy, Tracy’s openness, humour and determination to still ‘have fun being me’ have clearly struck a chord with fans following every step of her story.
