AceShowbiz - Jenny Conlee, the keyboard player with cult indie act The Decemberists, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The musician and band leader Colin Meloy have taken to the group's website to break the bad news to fans - but both remain optimistic.

Meloy writes, "The good news is that Jenny caught it early and... the prognosis is very, very good for a full recovery. Conlee adds, "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."

Conlee is expected to miss a handful of upcoming shows as she embarks on treatment.