I believe you when you say your recovery will take patience. Many decades ago I chucked what was rounding into a decent shot at making a living as a pro tennis player. I developed some arm problems, took six-months off and spent the next six months in the weight room. When the problems came back two months later, I decided to not give the surgeons permission to experiment. Fortunately, during all this rehab I developed passions for cycling and biochemistry and I haven't missed tennis.

I would advise you to take those mileage increases slower than 10-12% per week. This has been a long lay-off and it is really easy to take it too fast. Also, maybe a tandem is in your future, then you and Hubby can share both his hard work-outs and his recovery rides.