Family crisis offers lessons to young medical student

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 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.

Micah, a U.S. Defense Department auditor, and Emily had always planned to have a baby. But they knew his disease and its treatment might render that dream impossible.

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."

Over all the ups and downs, devoted supporters have buoyed them. Emily’s TCOM classmates were among those who brought dinners, mowed the grass, walked the dogs, cleaned the house.

"There were times I really wanted to give up," said Micah, whose last treatment was May 27. "I don’t know how we could have gotten through it if not for all the support."

Emily agreed. "Now I’ll know in detail what my patients are up against."

And 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.

Recent News

Cow Leg Web
  • Community
|Feb 17, 2025

From volunteer to medical director: HSC medical director’s 46th year at Cowtown Marathon

If you’ve ever received medical care at the Cowtown Marathon, chances are you’ve seen Dr. Jeff Beeson, interim executive vice president of health systems and vice president of clinical partnerships at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Beeson is no stranger to th...
Bridgette Pullis
  • Community
|Feb 14, 2025

New College of Nursing faculty and staff expands expertise

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth's College of Nursing has recently added three distinguished faculty and staff members to its growing team. These new additions bring experience in forensic nursing, simulation, community health and palliative care. “I am honored to...
014 046 150dpi
  • Community
|Feb 11, 2025

Running through history: the story of the Cowtown Marathon

In February 1979, runners lined up at the start of the first Cowtown Marathon. What began as a simple idea to inspire people to live more actively has since evolved into a beloved Fort Worth tradition. Promoting an active lifestyle The marathon’s organizers promoted an active lifestyle — an ...
Kirk A. Calhoun Bio
  • Community
|Feb 5, 2025

Dr. Kirk Calhoun brings expertise and vision to UNTHSC

Kirk Calhoun, M.D., FACP, brings more than 30 years of experience in academic medicine and health care leadership to his new role as interim president of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, a position he assumed on Feb. 1. Calhoun most recently served as president o...