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Learning more about cancer
than the textbooks teach
Emily Casterline learned about testicular cancer as a second-year medical student.
A few weeks later, she encountered the disease in a very personal way. Her husband, Micah, was diagnosed with it in February.
Her coursework at UNT Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine taught her that if caught in time, testicular cancer has a 95 percent cure rate.
But Micah’s cancer gave her an insight her textbooks couldn’t.
“I didn’t know how it turns your life upside down even if your loved one is going to survive,” Emily said. “I’ll be a better doctor because I’ve been through this with Micah. I’ll know how to talk to patients. I’ll know what they’re facing.”
But in the midst of disease and upheaval, affirmation of life awaited the Casterlines.
Micah and Emily knew his disease and its treatment might render impossible their dream to have a child.
On the day after Micah’s tumor was removed, Emily had a doctor’s appointment.
“On Feb. 26, I found out I’m pregnant,” Emily exulted. “A miracle baby. We’ve been on quite an emotional roller coaster.”
Emily is doubtful she and Micah could have made it without the support of TCOM colleagues. And she carries that knowledge forward. “Now I’ll know in detail what my patients are up against.”
She’ll relate well to those she cares for in her first rotation, beginning July 7. Expecting a boy on Oct. 24, she’s a natural for the OB/GYN patients she’ll see at John Peter Smith Hospital and the UNT Health Patient Care Center.
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