Thanks for the input here, it's been appreciated. I've decided, for now, to hold off on the tendon and rotator cuff surgery and explore alternatives. There is no real danger the tendon will rupture completely, barring some unforeseen circumstance. It isn't THAT painful, and so what if I can't lift overhead for now? I've had so many surgeries over the years - all of which were quite necessary. I am not convinced that this one is just yet. In the end the tendon may be so shredded that there are no other options, but it won't be this year.

The left shoulder? It's just an arthritic hot mess with all kinds of stuff going on - even the shoulder ortho saw no real point to even cleaning it out, just wait to do something when it's time to replace it. Hopefully it will never reach THAT point

My enforced lack of exercise for almost 2 weeks has been difficult (combo of weather + strained forearm muscle), but am very thankful that I can still hike, do 2-handed KB swings, and elevated/wall pushups