In Good Hands
Guided by faith and surrounded by family, the Rev. Dr. Lee R. Wigert, Pastor and Professor, finds trust, compassion and hope during his journey with aggressive prostate cancer.
Faith, family and meaningful relationships have always been at the center of Lee Wigert’s life. As a pastor serving a congregation in Plattsmouth,
Nebraska, and retired psychology professor at Hastings College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Lee has dedicated his life to helping others navigate challenges and find strength during difficult times.
But when an aggressive form of prostate cancer threatened his future, Lee faced uncertainty of his own. With the support of his wife, Diane, their three children, three grandchildren and his church congregation, he began a journey that would deepen his appreciation for faith, trust and compassionate care.
An Unexpected Turn
Lee’s prostate cancer journey began in 2023, when an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level prompted further testing. His urologist recommended monitoring his condition, reassuring him that prostate cancer often grows slowly.
But in January 2026, his PSA climbed again. An MRI revealed suspicious lesions, and a biopsy confirmed aggressive disease, with cancer found in 10 of 14 tissue samples.
Determined to make an informed decision, Lee researched his options and consulted trusted medical professionals, including his brother, a retired physician, and his nephew by marriage, a radiation oncologist.
In March, Lee underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy. Unfortunately, pathology revealed even more aggressive cancer that had spread to nearby pelvic lymph nodes. When his PSA began rising again following surgery, Lee knew additional treatment might be necessary.
His search for answers led him to Dr. Amir Zahra, a radiation oncologist at Nebraska Cancer Specialists.
The Connection
Before scheduling his consultation, Lee researched radiation oncologists in Omaha. Medical expertise was essential, but he also wanted a physician who would listen, communicate honestly and see him as a person.
He found that in Dr. Zahra.
Lee and Diane spent approximately three hours with Dr. Zahra during their initial consultation. He carefully explained Lee’s diagnosis, the potential benefits of radiation and the risks associated with treatment. He was candid about the uncertainty of Lee’s prognosis, making it clear that radiation offered no guarantee of a cure.
Dr. Zahra encouraged the couple to consider their options and make the decision they felt was best, reassuring them that he would respect their choice regardless.
That sincerity left a lasting impression.
“From the day I first met Dr. Amir Zahra, I felt a spiritual connection with him,” Lee shares. “I was willing to put my cancer in his hands.”
After additional conversations with his family and medical advisors, Lee chose radiation therapy at Nebraska Cancer Specialists.
When the Little Things Become the Big Things
Lee began radiation treatments in August 2026, completing 39 sessions by the end of September.
Treatment wasn’t always easy. Fatigue became a significant challenge, and severe back spasms required hospitalization. There were days when simply getting onto the radiation treatment table was difficult.
That’s when the compassion of his care team became especially meaningful.
Radiation therapists carefully helped Lee onto and off the treatment table. Maureen, a member of his nursing team, offered encouragement and called to check on his well-being. At the front desk, Carolyn greeted him by name, often checking him in before he reached the counter.
“Even on his tougher days Lee showed up to radiation with a positive attitude and smile on his face! He always had a great story to tell us to keep us entertained. It’s people like Lee that make coming to work a pleasure and a good reminder that we are helping people even in the smallest moments of daily interaction,” said Brooke Knott, Radiation Oncology Therapist.
During regular appointments with Dr. Zahra, Lee never felt rushed.
“He listened to me and didn’t make me feel like I had to hurry,” Lee recalls. “He had time.”
For Lee, those gestures were anything but small.
“The little things are the big things for me.”
“Dr. Zahra has the skill, but most importantly he has the personality and integrity,” Lee says. “That was part of my healing.”
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
Today, Lee is doing well and regaining his strength. He stays active by walking at his local Hy-Vee, where employees greet him by name, ask how he’s feeling and occasionally stop to pray with him.
He treasures time with Diane, their children and grandchildren, and continues to find purpose through his church congregation.
His advice to others facing cancer is to research their options, ask questions and embrace the support of those around them.
“Build your community,” he says. “Don’t try to tough this out yourself.”
For a man who has dedicated his life to caring for others, finding that same compassion when he needed it most was a blessing and he knew he was in Good Hands.
