Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw announced in a tearful Instagram update that her breast cancer tumors are currently inoperable and will remain so until they shrink. The 52-year-old star shared the news on Thursday, following an ultrasound appointment intended to assess her condition.
Shaw explained that while the lumps have changed shape from circular to oval, they have not reduced in size. She had expressed hope that chemotherapy treatments would have led to a decrease in tumor size. She also confirmed that a lump found in her right breast was a benign cyst.
In May, Shaw revealed she was beginning chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer the previous month. She shared her emotional journey with followers, admitting the toll the diagnosis had taken. "I can't go through this anymore," she said in a video at the time, referencing the ongoing news and uncertainty of her treatment.
Shaw, who portrayed Maxine Peacock on "Coronation Street" from 1995 to 2003, began her chemotherapy treatment shortly after announcing her diagnosis. She has been candid about the challenges, including headaches and the emotional difficulty of facing a long road to recovery.
She had previously shared that doctors identified HER2 protein in her cells, which is associated with more aggressive forms of the disease. Following chemotherapy, Shaw had hoped for surgery to remove lumps and lymph glands, with potential further surgery and radiotherapy to follow.
Prior to starting chemotherapy, Shaw had her hair cut short as a preparation for one of chemotherapy's common side effects: hair loss. She also spoke about her recovery from various addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, alcoholism, and drug addiction, drawing parallels to her current health battle. She expressed gratitude to the NHS staff and her fans for their support.
