Monroe discloses she has blood cancer, expects recovery

Monroe, who released the non-country disc "Rosegold" in April, said she would begin chemotherapy on Wednesday for a highly treatable type of cancer.

"A few months ago my dr. was doing some routine lab work and found that I was anemic," Monroe posted on Instagram. "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. 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."

"Thankful for my angel son. Who I am fighting for the most."

Saying she was not looking for unsolicited medical advice, Monroe 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 💪🏼🙏❤️"

"Moments like these I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Getting flowers delivered weekly from @genajohnson507. Enjoying a staycation in Nashville when we had to cancel our Florida trip. Sitting with my sisters the day I found out. Seeing John be my rock and the best dad to Dalton, and being surrounded (and prayed for) by the best friends (and family and manager) I could ever dream up."

Monroe is also a member of Pistol Annies with Miranda Lambert and Angeleena Presley. Monroe is married to former major league pitcher John Danks.