Pistol Annies singer Ashley Monroe has revealed that she's beginning chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.
The 34-year-old announced her heartbreaking news on Instagram while posting a series of images, including one with her Pistol Annies bandmates Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley.
"A few months ago my dr. was doing some routine lab work and found that I was anemic. I was like, FINE, I'll just double up on cheeseburger patties, take some extra vitamins and call it a day," she wrote. "Short story long, they did a bone marrow biopsy, (ouch) , and VOILA.. a rare kind of blood c word called 'waldenstrom macroglobulinemia' It's causing my body to be pretty severely anemic, and I feel it."
The mother of one plans to start chemotherapy on July 14.
The notion of chemo, she asserts, is a "such a negative thing to say," but she's remaining upbeat and taking solace in fact that the illness is, as she puts it, "VERY live with-able."
"I'm thankful there IS a treatment that actually works to fight what is causing harm to my body. THANKFUL for friends and family who have gathered around me praying and sending flowers and letting me lean on them during this super weird chapter of my life," she said. "Thankful for my angel son. Who I am fighting for the most."
"I would greatly appreciate if no one gave me any unsolicited advice or medical opinions. I've done my research and have amazing Vanderbilt dr's I've weighed every option with," she said. "That's why I was hesitant to post about it, but I could use the prayers.. and I DO believe in the power of prayer guys. I also believe in the power of love healing us all on an even deeper level. I love you all big. Here I go."
Following her announcement, many in country music publicly sent her well wishes on social media. Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild, for instance, commented, "Praying every day Ash. Love you so much!!!" Kimberly Schlapman, also of Little Big Town, added, "You have our whole hearts and our fervent prayers all the way on this, sweet one." Martina McBride and others posted heart emojis on Ashley's Instagram.