Brain tumor discovered at CareATC
Dustin Castleman isn’t the kind of guy who has time to be sick. As a single father, Dustin works hard to balance work and home life.
But last year, he developed some strange symptoms.
“I started getting terrible headaches. My vision was blurring. Headlights were blinding,” says Dustin, team lead in AP1.
Soon his job was affected, and he couldn’t drive safely.
“Things just kept getting worse,” says Dustin. “The headaches were unbearable. I was missing so much work.”
Finally, he scheduled an appointment at CareATC, the on-site clinic at Appliance Park in Louisville.
“It was super easy to schedule, and I got in quickly,” says Dustin. “Dr. Karam noticed something unusual when he checked my eyes and ordered an MRI.”
Dr. Karam took his time with Dustin, listening to his description of the headaches and completing a full neurologic exam. “His description didn’t fit the usual migraine, muscle tension or sinusitis,” says Dr. Karam. “Plus, his left eyelid and pupil were off a little bit.”
A tumor was discovered on the left side of Dustin’s brain near his optical nerve. And that’s when the waiting began. A hospital in town delayed appointments for months only to tell Dustin his tumor was inoperable.
“Dr. Karam adamantly disagreed,” says Dustin. “He knew I couldn’t keep living this way. I can’t speak highly enough about him.”
When Dr. Karam believed Dustin wasn’t receiving the care he needed, he connected him to a neurosurgeon he knows and trusts at the University of Kentucky. “Because of my experience with my own family, I fight for what’s right,” says Dr. Karam. “Someone’s needs to have your back and I will.” The CareATC team worked hard to get Dustin’s referrals and appointments scheduled.
“If it hadn’t been for Dr. Karam, I literally don’t know where I’d be,” says Dustin. “I wouldn’t have had surgery if it wasn’t for him.”
Dustin’s first appointment with UK Hospital was on March 14 of this year. By April 2, he was on the operating table.
Thankfully, the tumor was benign.
“I’m so glad I had CareATC on my side,” says Dustin. “I could not have gone on living with the pain I was in. Dr. Karam’s care literally changed my life.”
Dr. Karam knew that not doing surgery on Dustin was not the right treatment. “Without it, he’d be having severe headaches still, missing a lot of work, vision loss and possibly blindness,” says Dr. Karam.
Dustin’s family has been very supportive and helpful through his many appointments, his surgery, and recovery.
“If it wasn’t for my family, I wouldn’t have made it honestly,” says Dustin. “I am just praying that after all the help CareATC has provided and with the surgery, I will become a better version of myself.”
There’s nothing like a little motivation. And Dustin’s little ones fit the bill.
“Now I can begin my life again,” says Dustin. “I’m excited to be the dad and man my kids need.”
Thanks to CareATC and Dr. Karam, Dustin can do just that.
Pics below
Warning: Graphic! I know you probably won’t want to use the graphic ones, but I thought you may like to see them for reference!
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