There's sad news for the family who became famous thanks to Toddlers & Tiaras. TMZ is reporting that Mama June Shannon's oldest daughter, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has been fighting adrenal carcinoma since the beginning of the year.
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Anna received her diagnosis in January.
According to the gossip site, Anna received her diagnosis after visiting the doctor about stomachaches. The medical professionals ordered a series of tests that uncovered the adrenal carcinoma diagnosis.
TMZ reported that the cancer has been discovered in her liver, kidney, and lung.
Adrenal carcinoma is rare and hard to cure unless it's found early.
This type of cancer normally begins in one or both of the adrenal glands located at the top of the kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic. When it's found early, survival rates are high, but once it spreads beyond the kidneys, treatment options may be more geared toward preventing progression instead.
Anna has already begun chemo.
Sources within the family have confirmed that Anna has already started chemotherapy, beginning treatment back in February.
Anna is experiencing some side effects, with insiders saying that she's already losing her hair. The next steps include waiting to see how she reacts to chemo before deciding what approach they'll take next.
The Shannon family is rallying by Anna's side during this difficult time.
Anna's family is "very hopeful" about the mother of two's prognosis.
Sources say they've joined forces to help take care of Anna and her daughters, 10-year-old Kaitlyn and 7-year-old Kylee.
We imagine this has to be hard for everyone involved, especially with how young Anna is.
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Anna's boyfriend, Eldridge Toney, also has been part of her support network.
We are definitely pulling for Anna right now. We simply cannot imagine how scary this diagnosis must be for her.
Fortunately, she seems to have a large support system that can help her get through the next few steps before doctors are able to determine what her long-term treatment plan will look like.
