By KPBS
San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald, who participated Tuesday in her first council meeting since undergoing surgery for breast cancer, said her prognosis is excellent.
Emerald, who represents a swath of San Diego from the College Area through City Heights to Southcrest, announced Sept. 12 that she was battling the disease. The 59-year-old councilwoman underwent outpatient surgery that day.
“I passed the first step of breast cancer surgery and start radiation in October, and (have) an excellent prognosis,” she said.
Emerald, who missed council meetings last week and on Monday, thanked the many people who expressed support after hearing the news.
Emerald, who was a consumer advocate for KPBS media partner 10News for 22 years before running for office, said she learned of her diagnosis while in Washington, D.C., where she was part of a delegation lobbying federal officials over local issues.