Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · 18d

Really look forward to further exploration of "intentional non-adherence" within the context of quality of life goals and RWE with oral therapies. Think we all accept that current HRQoL tools/data are not telling the full picture.
#kidneycancer

1 1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · 20d

Beautiful post @lauraesfeller.bsky.social -- "hope when I needed it most".

100% sure you make him proud every day. Thank you for your advocacy and good work done in his memory to give others that spark of hope when they need it most. #kidneycancer #clinicaltrials

3

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · 21d

Great model here of an international Patient Advisory Board for this Phase 3 #clinicaltrial for 1st line #kidneycancer. Important focus on improving HRQoL measures so that items are meaningful and relevant in era of immunotherapy. Great collaboration!
#patientengagement

1 2

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · 28d

Really an incredible resource for cancer patients. Discussion of evidence, clinical trials, real world toxicities. And support/moderation that keeps misinformation off the platform.

#cansky
#kidneycancer

Smart Patients @smartpatients.bsky.social · 28d

How do you stand up to cancer? We stand every day with patients, caregivers, and families who refuse to let cancer have the last word. Our courageous community asks hard questions, supports each other, and reminds us that no one has to face cancer alone.

#SmartPatients #StandUpToCancer

3

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Sep 10

Agree with that 3-week rule. And even then, for something new, I'd visit my GP first to rule out common things first. The pain in my arm that I was SURE was a bone met... resolved with physiotherapy etc.
#survivorship #cansky

5

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Sep 2

A powerful essay on being "a difficult patient" and the grace we seek as we come to terms. Applicable to many here in the #cansky community

(And #kidneycancer for sure.)

American Journal of Kidney Diseases @ajkd.bsky.social · Sep 2

In A Few Words essay by Alan Finkelstein, PhD:

Giving Grace

bit.ly/45JzaUX (FREE)

1 4

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Sep 2

And we complain about parking costs. Approx $20 USD for a long day in the cancer centre...

1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Sep 2

Sadly, the "empty their life savings" part tells me what country you live in... In many other countries, the blow is every bit as emotional, but not financially devastating. Here in Canada, I pay for parking (only). #kidneycancer

1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Sep 2

Will be interesting to plot the 10-year trends with next global #kidneycancer survey. In the meantime, advocates and pt orgs can encourage pts to know their subtype/histology.

And there is no subtype called "non-clear cell rcc". Please.

1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Aug 29

Fantastic news. Now file that CT report in your digital archives. Many, many more to come over the years ahead.

I'm hopeful that one day soon we'll have a blood-based biomarker to detect possible recurrence. For now, that whirring CT machine is your best friend. #survivorship
#kidneycancer

1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Aug 24

Thanks for doing this @sadlersnaps.bsky.social
Important message that not every #kidneycancer patient presents in the usual age 55+ demographic. And younger patients face more barriers, consistently per @ikccorg global surveys

1 1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Aug 13

Glad you went to a "center of excellence" for younger-onset RCC. I was 14 (fourteen!) when 1st diagnosed with rare papillary rcc, huge tumor, radical nephrectomy. Still here thanks to amazing, expert care here in Canada, plus NIH #clinicaltrial in yours. #grateful #kidneycancer

1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Aug 12

Yep. I'm seen in a mostly prostate cancer clinic, so have experienced same. But the youngest uro-oncology patients are those with testicular cancer... thankfully has high cure rates, but the young lads sitting there are very, very young. #humbling #cansky

1 3

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Aug 8

Thank you. I appreciated the gift article. A good read!

1 2

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Aug 8

Love this thread! Thank you.

Adding that the multiple contradictions also apply to our internal perspectives - we can hold feelings of hope and despair at the same time. It's a complicated weave of two powerful threads... #cansky #survivorship

1 9

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 31

Gotta love the "Stupid Tariffs" tip jar at my local coffee shop. Made the coffee taste even better!
#Guelph #shoplocal #planetbean #coffee #elbowsup #stupidtarrifs

2

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 28

Proud of fellow Canadian Dr Danny Heng, one of the kindest, most humble (and brilliant) oncologists in the global #kidneycancer community. Always supportive of the patient voice. A wonderful collaborator and communicator
@ikccorg.bsky.social #oncosky

OncoDaily @oncodaily.bsky.social · Jul 28

Dr. Daniel Heng - Breakthrough Research Award: Yvonne Awards 2025

oncodaily.com/insight/dr-d...

#OncoDaily #Oncology #Cancer #Health #Medicine #MedEd #MedOnc #MedNews #YvonneAwards #BreakthroughResearchAward

Dr. Daniel Heng – Breakthrough Research Award: Yvonne Award

Dr. Daniel Heng is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Head of Medical Oncology at the

oncodaily.com

1 9

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 28

And sometimes, for many patients, there just isn't another shoe...
#survivorship
#kidneycancer

1

Reposted by Deb Maskens

Jeff Thompson @jeffthompson48.bsky.social · Jul 25

51st State, My Fucking Ass!!! 😀🥰🍁💪 Thank you,Rod!!

Canada Will Survive (Canada Tribute) Finale - Rod Stewart - Toronto, Canada, July 22, 2025

YouTube video by Shonana

youtu.be

2 5 21

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 20

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

#canada

1

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 20

Personally I disagree. As a fellow Canadian, perhaps good to recall the late Jack Layton who also did not reveal the cancer that took his life. In the end, we remember him, for his hope and inspiration to all cancer patients and his parting message...

1 2

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 17

Thrilled to see @ikccorg.bsky.social build its volunteer Board with international expertise and strong focus on addressing global disparities in #kidneycancer care.
Thank you Dr van Goudoever for your commitment.
#kcsm #globalcancer
#strongertogether

International Kidney Cancer Coalition @ikccorg.bsky.social · Jul 17

Announcement: Effective immediately, Dr Bart van Goudoever (NL) will assume the role of Secretary / Treasurer Elect on the IKCC Board and take on full responsibilities on 1 November, for a 3-year term. Welcome Bart ikcc.org/about-ikcc/b...

1 2

Reposted by Deb Maskens

Heidi & Mand @laughbeforedeath.bsky.social · Jul 17

Mand has just gone and got herself an emotional support chicken. What more does a woman need?!

Good friends who knows what makes you tick, are invaluable. Even more so when you live with metastatic cancer.

#cansky #oncsky

Mand is holding a crocheted pink chicken.

5 3 26

Deb Maskens @debmaskens.bsky.social · Jul 17

Love it. For the #knitting fans, here's the link to knit your very own Emotional Support Chicken:
#cansky #cancer #support #chicken

www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

Emotional Support Chicken pattern by Annette Corsino

TUTORIAL NOW AVAILABLE

www.ravelry.com

1 8

Reposted by Deb Maskens

🇨🇦🍁True Canadian 🍁🇨🇦 @canadian-capt.bsky.social · Jul 16

🍁 Thinking about your next getaway?

Explore Canada—where stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming communities are just the beginning.

From the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland to the alpine peaks of British Columbia, Canada is a country that gives you space to breathe and wonder.

8 22 110