State senator recovering from surgery for breast cancer

NASHVILLE (AP) — State Sen. Mae Beavers was recovering Wednesday from a mastectomy and surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes, her colleagues were told.

Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, will undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy because more lymph nodes had to be removed than expected, Rep. Donna Rowland, R-Murfreesboro, told the Senate. But she said it’s a precaution because doctors believe they removed all the cancer.

Darren Morris, a political consultant for Beavers, said the senator was in good spirits and eager to return to work as soon as possible.

“Both (her husband) Jerry and Mae want to thank all of those who have expressed their concern and well-wishes during this difficult time. They ask for continued prayers,” he said.

Beavers, a former state representative, is in her first term in the Senate, representing the 17th District that includes Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith and parts of Sumner, Trousdale and Wilson counties.

She won the open seat over Democrat Sherry Fisher in 2002.