Gary Lezak Weathers a Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnosis

In July 1999, Gary Lezak, chief meteorologist of KSHB 41 Action News, broke his wrist in an in-line skating accident. While at the hospital, Gary asked doctors to check out a lump just above his left elbow he had noticed earlier in the year.

Howard Rosenthal, MD, orthopedic surgeon specializing in cancer of the bone and soft tissues, diagnosed the lump as an extraskeletal osteogenic sarcoma. This rare, aggressive cancer occurs in the soft tissue of extremities without attaching to bone. It’s diagnosed in about 60 adults in the U.S. annually. Dr. Rosenthal recommended surgery to remove the cancer, followed by extensive chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from spreading.

After 2 surgeries, Gary was hospitalized for a week to receive 5 courses of chemotherapy. Until then, he had never spent the night in a hospital. Immediately following treatment, Gary continued to work despite obvious weight loss and baldness from the chemotherapy. He refused to wear a toupee.

Because his cancer was so aggressive, Dr. Rosenthal tested Gary every 2 months for the first 2 years after treatment. This ensured early detection if the cancer returned. Since then, Gary has been tested yearly.

Going for wilder weather

Gary was always fascinated by rain and thunderstorms. Born in Southern California, he was determined to go where weather was more extreme. In 1985, he earned a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma.

After a stint as meteorologist on the morning show and midday news of a top station in Oklahoma, Gary moved to Kansas City in 1992. He became chief meteorologist at Channel 41 in 1999.

A dyed-in-the-wool animal lover, Gary has always shared the limelight with his dogs. First was longtime viewer favorite Windy, who lived almost 17 years; then Breezy, who passed away in December 2016. Now, Sunny – adopted from Wayside Waifs – helps Gary sniff out severe and threatening weather.

Best forecast ever

Gary has been cancer-free since 2000. He is grateful to be able to share his cancer experience and his passion for weather at more than 70 public appearances each year.

In November 2014, he received the best forecast ever. After reviewing Gary’s X-rays and CT scan, Dr. Rosenthal said, “Everything looks great!” There was no evidence of cancer. Dr. Rosenthal says the type of cancer Gary had “is black or white; you either have it or you don’t. And Gary doesn’t.” He is cured.

Gary praises Dr. Rosenthal – “an incredible man” – and staff at The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s Sarcoma Center for his care.

Upon learning he was cancer-free, Gary tweeted, “Found out today I was CURED of cancer from Dr. Rosenthal. 15 Years Cancer Free. Now, will it snow?”