From the Desk of Jon Greenberg

I write you today to share a personal story which I hope you will find impactful.

Back in February, I went in for a routine physical with my primary physician, Dr. Tom Brand. I’ve had them pretty much annually since I joined the Admirals back in 2005. This time, we added blood work to check my prostate gland’s quality.  The reading came back higher than it should, so we decided to have it tested again the following week.   That number came back higher, and I was referred to Dr. Peter Leonovicz, a urologist, for future care.

In early March, I met with Dr. Leonovicz, who had me undergo an MRI to study the prostate closer.  That test showed some suspicious imaging.  We immediately discussed next steps which involved a biopsy and a PET scan.  The biopsy provided a diagnosis that no one wants to get – cancer.  It was a quick and powerful punch to the gut.  In addition, the imaging also showed a hernia which would need to be repaired.

Dr. Leonovicz gave me two options, and the encouragement that I am a young man and would have a positive outcome with the right attitude and support system. The options were to have the prostate gland removed or to undergo radiation.  While losing a part of my body was a difficult decision, removing the cancer gave me the peace of mind that I could look forward to the next part of my life without uncertainty hanging over me, and I could avoid the potential side effects that the radiation might cause down the road.

Fast forward to July 28th and my surgery.  I had the prostate gland removed by Dr. Leonovicz and the hernia repaired by Dr. Brenda Satchie. It was a two-for-one!  The procedures went well, and after one night of fantastic care by the medical staff at St. Luke’s here in Milwaukee, I was discharged to start my recovery at home with my medical team of my wife, Shannon, and daughter, Caroline, and lots of prayers from family and friends and my great partners on the Admirals staff including Harris Turer.  I felt all of that encouragement from day one.

After a tough first week of recovery from both parts of the surgery, I had my first follow-up with Dr. Leonovicz and received the incredible news that the margins were good, and the cancer is gone!  It was an emotional moment in my life. My gratitude for the great work by everyone in the operating room will be never-ending.

Fast forward another week to the follow up with Dr. Satchie’s PA, Leila Schaefer (who I found out is an Admirals 20-pack holder), where she shared that my healing from the hernia surgery is also going well.

It’s an eight-week process to get through the recovery from these two procedures.  I am just easing back into time in the office.  I am thankful for the way my staff has picked me up over the last several weeks.  It was hard to miss the Wisconsin State Fair for the first time since joining the Admirals.

I am also grateful for the Milwaukee Brewers whose games became a daily thing for me to look forward to and enjoy.  Watching every day or night has been a wonderful distraction.

None of this would have happened had I not gone for a physical.  As I mentioned earlier, I have been going annually for these, and they’ve always given me a positive report and/or some things that I could do to be healthier as I get older. Because of this exam, I found out about something serious early and before it could get much worse.

I enthusiastically encourage you to get your physical exam each year.  Most of the time you’ll get the good news that you’re in good shape.  Please take care of yourselves and encourage others to do the same.

I look forward to working my way back to full strength before the Admirals Opening Night in October!