Ashley Monroe, a rising country star, recently shared some heartbreaking news with her fans. The solo artist and one-third of Pistol Annies came to Instagram to inform fans that she has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer and will begin treatment. Check out the rest of her tale below, where she emphasizes the importance of community support. So, if you’re a fan, send her some positive energy.
Gratitude. I’m overcome with thankfulness at times like these. @genajohnson507. delivers flowers on a weekly basis. When we had to cancel our trip to Florida, we were able to enjoy a staycation in Nashville. The day I found out, I was sitting with my sisters. Being surrounded (and prayed for) by the best friends (and family and manager) I could ever imagine, and seeing John be my rock and the best dad to Dalton. My doctor discovered that I was anemic a few months back while performing standard test work. I decided to double up on cheeseburger patties, take some additional vitamins, and call it a day.
Well my red blood count just kept falling, and they found out my iron /b12/ folic acid numbers were actually fine. 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. So, I start chemo tomorrow. Seems like such a negative thing to say. Until I flip that doom feeling on its head and think, wow, I’m thankful I have an illness that is 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.
I am grateful for my angelic son. I’m fighting for the people I care about the most. I’d appreciate it if no one offered me any unsolicited medical advice or comments. I’ve done my homework and have fantastic Vanderbilt doctors with whom I’ve discussed all of my options. That’s why I hesitated to write about it, but I could need the prayers… and I DO believe in the power of prayer, guys. I also feel that love has the potential to cure us all on a deeper level. I adore you all tremendously. I’ll start now.
