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Ashley Monroe: Pistol Annies singer reveals cancer diagnosis, asks for fans' prayers

Ashley Monroe of Pistol Annies said in an Instagram post that she has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer

Ashley Monroe, a country music artist from the Pistol Annies trio, has disclosed that she has a rare form of blood cancer. In a long Instagram post on Tuesday, June 13, the 34-year-old crooner said she's starting chemotherapy.

Monroe joins a list of celebrities who have come out with their cancer diagnoses recently. Some of these celebrities include wrestling announcer Don West, Blink 182 singer Mark Hoppus, and actor James Michael Tyler.

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With the pandemic still raging, it is worth noting that the death rate among cancer patients with Covid-19 is considerably higher than usual. One in five cancer patients who get infected with coronavirus die, according to researchers who analyzed patient cases from the US, Canada, the UK, Europe and Asia.

Is Ashley Monroe OK?

Monroe has been diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a type of blood cancer. "It’s causing my body to be pretty severely anemic, and I feel it. So, I start chemo tomorrow," Monroe wrote in the Instagram post. "Seems like such a negative thing to say,' she added. '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.

Her loved ones, including her husband John Danks and their three-year-old son Dalton, were featured in a montage of pictures. She said that she had learned she was anemic a few months prior during normal blood work with her doctor. "'I was like, FINE, I’ll just double up on cheeseburger patties, take some extra 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," she wrote.

"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," she added, referring to her fans. The diagnosis was established after a bone marrow biopsy and Monroe claimed she settled on a treatment plan after doing her research and weighing her alternatives.

Monroe has worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Brooks & Dunn's Ronnie Dunn, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss. Pistol Annies, a trio she established with Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley in 2011, is also a part of her resume. Her son Dalton was born in 2017 after she married former Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks in 2013.

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts and prayers. "Ashley, You have all of my prayers and I think a million more prayers from all of your fans! I try to remember that when the days get tough, God carry’s us. And he really does. Your friends, family and fans will always be there for you. Stay positive!  Sally," said one. "God be with you Sweet Lady. Your going to be fine. You were given a talent to share with the world. God IS Not done with you by far  Neither are we! We love You!" said another. "All the love and good vibes to you for fast healing," a third chimed in.