Gordon Hiatt, 76, spent his entire career in research. The Covington, Washington, native created and tested prototypes of high-pressure waterjet cutting devices used in aircraft and auto parts, mining, utilities — and even the U.S. Air Force and Navy.
Not surprisingly, when Hiatt was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, he dove straight into research. He also advocated for himself with his general practitioner, asking for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test after noticing he was urinating more than usual. Though they are not routinely done after age 70, they can still provide insight into health issues; an elevated PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Hiatt wanted to know.
While his initial PSA test was only slightly elevated, a follow-up test two months later showed a dramatic rise. His doctor referred Hiatt to a urologist where he underwent an ultrasound, MRI and eventually a biopsy that confirmed he had prostate cancer.
“The word cancer is scary,” Hiatt said. “I was upset to find out I had it. But I told myself I would get through it and take it one step at a time. My wife, Kathy, was such a great support. She was there with me every step of the way.”
His urologist recommended a genomic test called Prolaris, which measures how fast the cells in the tumor are dividing, an indication of the aggressiveness of the cancer. Like many tests given to cancer patients, it’s used to make the best treatment decisions. Hiatt’s prostate cancer was not very aggressive, and he had time to do research before making any treatment decision.
Hiatt used that time to request a second opinion from Fred Hutch.
“I’d been talking to a golfing buddy who’d been treated at Fred Hutch with proton therapy,” Hiatt said. “He recommended a book that talked about proton therapy as a treatment option. After I read it, I knew I would do protons unless I wasn’t a candidate. And I knew Fred Hutch was the only place in the Pacific Northwest that had proton therapy.”
Hiatt met with Jonathan Chen, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist who treats patients with prostate cancer at Fred Hutch.
“Mr. Hiatt was an ideal candidate for proton therapy,” Chen said. “He’d done his research, heard multiple opinions and understood the pros and cons of his various treatment options. He was a great self-advocate and made the best choice he could for himself.”
Even better, Hiatt was relieved to learn Medicare would pay for his proton therapy.
Hiatt started proton therapy in October 2024 and said his month-and-a-half of treatments went seamlessly. The team was so professional and kind, he said, he was moved to write several messages to Chen about it.
“They put me at ease right away,” Hiatt said. “My radiation therapists were all great — I saw 11 or 12 of them throughout treatment. I’m a glass half full kind of person, and I would have fun with them and bring my music playlist every day. If I could make their day a bit easier, make their job more fun, I liked doing that.”
Hiatt experienced only minimal side effects — frequent urination, fatigue and some burning sensations as therapy progressed — but said he “wasn’t much bothered by it.” Within two weeks of finishing treatment, the symptoms subsided, including the fatigue.
“Proton therapy is a fantastic way to treat prostate cancer,” he said regarding his experience. “It’s not invasive and there are minimal side effects. If you can do it, you should. It’s a great way to go.”
Hiatt is now playing golf about twice a week, walking up to 12 miles. And he and his wife just returned from two weeks in Ohio, visiting children and grandchildren. They also recently traveled to England and Scotland.
Hiatt stressed the importance of advocating for yourself as a patient.
“You have to be your own advocate and be aware of your body, of what it’s telling you,” he said.
He also recommended that patients always get a second opinion.
“Getting a second opinion will reassure you that you are making the right decision, especially with something as serious as cancer,” he said. “I am so happy I chose proton therapy. It really went smoothly and I was back to my life right away.”
Are you interested in reprinting or republishing this story? Be our guest! We want to help connect people with the information they need. We just ask that you link back to the original article, preserve the author’s byline and refrain from making edits that alter the original context. Questions? Email us at communications@fredhutch.org
Every dollar counts. Please support lifesaving research today.
