Melissa Etheridge Recovering After Surgery

10/19/2004 2:26 PM, AP


Melissa Etheridge is at home in California recovering from two operations to treat breast cancer.

Etheridge, 43, said on her Web site that a tumor and lymph nodes were removed, and that she'll have chemotherapy next. She canceled upcoming tour dates to undergo treatment.

"I still have both of my breasts and whether I will keep them is a bridge I have to cross later," she said. "What an unexpected journey this is."

The singer is still planning to shoot a pilot for ABC in which she plays a gay music teacher.

Etheridge and actress Tammy Lynn Michaels held a commitment ceremony in September 2003. The musician, who lives in Los Angeles, shares custody of a daughter and son with former partner Julie Cypher, who had the children through artificial insemination using a sperm donation from rocker David Crosby .

Her latest album, "Lucky," was released in February.

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On the Net:

http://www.melissaetheridge.com