LOS ANGELES, May 4 (UPI) -- Jenny Conlee, the accordion and keyboard player for the U.S. folk-rock band The Decemberists, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
"The good news is that Jenny caught it early. And while the prognosis is very, very good for a full recovery, tackling the disease will mean some intensive treatment for our Jenny, as well as a lot of important recovery time," the band said on its Web site.
"So I'm writing this to say that, weighing our options, and with Jenny's fervent blessings, we've decided to go forward with our scheduled tour dates this spring and summer."
The message said the 39-year-old musician will likely miss all nine planned concerts in May and June.
"We're all hoping that her recovery will be such that she'll be able to get back on board as soon as possible," the band said.
"I am very sorry to say that I will be missing a few shows coming up as I go through treatment for breast cancer," Conlee said in a separate statement. "It has been great to be on tour these past few weeks. The band and crew are like family to me and have been incredibly supportive and understanding. To be making music with everyone and seeing the fans has helped me to feel more positive and keep my mind off of my diagnosis. But, alas, as the tour winds down, it is time for me to get back to reality. I will try to get into surgery as soon as I can after we return from this leg of the tour so I can begin my recovery. There are still a few unknowns out there concerning my cancer, but I am thinking positive and hope to be back on the road soon. Thanks for all of your support!"
