Hello there friends!
I got another ride in and kept moving the brakes up the bars until I found a happy spot and I can say that with them in their current location, it really changes the ride. The shifters are perfectly situation for thumb action, braking is easy and it helps some with the wrist/shoulder pains further in the ride.
I'm sure I'm on too small of a bike now, it's almost assuredly a medium frame and I'm historically a large frame rider. I will, however ride it until it dies and just try to make some adjustments to lessen the impact.
Thank you all for all the help, it was a game-changer!