Tracy Shaw showed off her new wig as she prepared for chemotherapy treatment. The actress, 52, who is best known for starring as Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and has been keeping fans up to date ever since.
The soap star previously shared that she had cut her hair and donated it to the Little Princess Trust, and on Tuesday evening, she new snaps as she opted for a short blonde wig. She wrote on Instagram: “Prep before chemo…things I’ve learnt from the wonderful McMillan team who help in all areas of our lives . THANKYOU.”
View 5 ImagesThe star thanked Macmillan for their advice (Image: Tracy Shaw/Instagram)
She then asked her followers for advice on wearing a wig in the first place, especially amid the extreme weather. She added: “I’m still unsure whether I’ll be too hot? What do you think?”
Tracy was instantly inundated with support from fans on her new look, and they wished her well as she prepared to start treatment. One wrote: “Good luck [fingers crossed emoji] the wig really suits you Tracy .. all the best you’ve got this.”
Another said: “Whether you wear a wig or not you will still look lovely. I’m glad that you had a lovely day and the sun was still shining. I hope that you managed a coffee/cuppa when you were out. Taking precious time out for you is important. Love and hugs from Northern Ireland.”
Last week, Tracy shared a post on Instagram where she revealed, in preparation for chemotherapy, she had cut her long blonde locks short and has decided to give it to a charity that provides free wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through illness.
View 5 ImagesTracy was all smiles as she showed off her wig (Image: Tracy Shaw/Instagram)
Tracy wrote on Instagram: “Hair will 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’s left for now.” In a Reel, the actress was seen having her curly hair plaited ready to be cut, and wiped away tears as she held the plaits in her hands.
Alongside another post, Tracy wrote: “To all you cancer survivors, I’m coming,” and was instantly inundated with support from her fans. One wrote: “Suits you, madame. Wishing you every strength in the time ahead!”
Another said: “I love it and love you for being so brave xx,” and a third wrote: “You look amazing… it really suits you… good luck with yr treatment… ive been through this twice in 5 years… I know how hard it it to take the decision to cut yr hair.. I did the same you are in control..”
5View 5 ImagesThe soap star shared a touching video to her Instagram page(Image: tracy.k.shaw/Instagram)
5View 5 ImagesTracy starred as Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street (Image: Unknown)
Tracy, who also enjoyed a brief pop career with a cover of the Lonnie Gordon track Happenin’ All Over Again before going on to appear in Casualty, Doctors and Mile High, explained just before beginning her treatment that she is only able navigate things by taking her illness one step at a time.
She said: “I had some great guidance which is ‘Don’t look up, just keep going to the next base camp, don’t climb Mt Everest, just keep taking one base camp at a time.’ “So today, I’ll be going into the hospital and I’ll be seeing my wonderful oncologist, and some other wonderful women on this journey with me, and I will face the next base camp.”
When Tracy broke the sad news almost a month ago, several of her co-stars offered the mum of two their support and left kind messages on social media.
Samia Longchambon, who has played Maria Connor in the soap since 2000, said: “Sending love to you Tracy.” Another former Corrie star Sally Ann Matthews, who portrayed Jenny Bradley, wrote: “Love you baby girl x.”
According to the NHS breast cancer is most common type of cancer in women in the UK. The main treatment for breast cancer in women and people with breasts is usually surgery. Other common treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment with hormones (hormone therapy), and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
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