School Librarian at Morristown High School and Adjunct Prof. at Seton Hall Univ. in EDST Dept. I'm also an ardent patient advocate!

Joined April 2009
1,929 Photos and videos
Debra Gottsleben retweeted
Thank you to the amazing partners on this project! @TiansterZhang @DrVaishampayan @lisapic @AlbigesL @MichaelStaehler @spsutkaMD @d_shapiro1 @uretericbud @Cold_Steel_1970. And thanks to @OncoAlert for highlighting! Let’s talk about cure in #kidneycancer!
DAY Two of OncoAlert 🚨 Coverage of #IKCSEU26 Provider Perceptions of Cure in Renal Cell Cancer Presented by Ms. Dena Battle🇺🇸 of @kcCURE RCC specialists demonstrate notable hesitancy in using the term “cure,” even in clinical contexts where long-term outcomes may justify it. This reluctance reflects not only clinical uncertainty but also parallels similar reservations among patients. The absence of a standardized definition contributes to inconsistent communication, potentially affecting expectations and decision-making. Establishing clearer, consensus-driven terminology around “cure” in RCC could enhance transparency, improve physician–patient alignment, and support more informed shared decision-making. Addressing this linguistic and conceptual gap may ultimately strengthen trust and facilitate more meaningful discussions about prognosis and treatment goals in renal cell carcinoma care. #KidneyCancer @KidneyCancer Jean-Christophe Bernhard @univbordeaux @AlbigesL @gustaveroussy @TiansterZhang @Dr_SabyGeorge @ZakhariaYousef @ERPlimackMD @Ric_Campi @DrIacovelli @RebuzziSara @weoncologists @GEVaughan1 @salvolarosa @DrYukselUrun #KidneyCancer @daniyal_jafree @EJonasch @IKCCorg @sophiemerrick1 @BarbaraJereczek @ESTRO_RT @ZakhariaYousef @kuraoncology @Selcuk__Erdem @drulkav @RCCadvocate
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Happy Birthday @MichaelStaehler!
Happy birthday, @MichaelStaehler! Thanks for always challenging us to reach higher - we’re better for it. I hope you and Dena have a fantastic celebration together!
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Congratulations! Much success in your next endeavor
Absolutely thrilled to match at OHSU! This North Carolina girl is headed to Portland 🚠
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Totally agree!
Replying to @gottsled
Thank you @gottsled. Hoping this will be a new era for renal mass #molecularimaging!
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Very excited to see this research! So important for the many ptnts diagnosed with small renal mass
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
I hear about this. This is not uncommon and it bothers me: Patient has cancer which is getting worse and causing pain Waits days for doctors appointment See the doctor. Scans ordered. But now waits days for an appointment slot to get the scans Scan is done and shows the cancer has worsened. Doctor prescribes new treatment Waits for days as insurance denies new treatment. Peer to peer call needed. Finally, treatment is approved. Waits for days again because chemotherapy appointments are backed up. Finally, the patient receives the treatment. But a month has passed. The cancer has progressed more. All of this with good private insurance. Imagine without. Oncology has advanced rapidly. Our medicines are very specialized. They require a lot of time, expertise, resources. Oncologists are stretched thin. It’s not the type of work that you can easily fill without compromising care. Many patients receive complex chemo and when there is a complication they end up without access to specialized care. We need to expand the oncology work force and limit the burnout that is causing good oncologists to leave patient care for other jobs or retire. There is no question we have made remarkable progress against cancer. And several promising new treatments are on the horizon. Will we have the resources to administer them safely and to all those who need it?
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
I am delighted and honored to join the great team @RushUrology @RushMedical I want to thank my colleagues @UCSDHealth and @UCSD_Urology #Chicago here I come! #KidneyCancer #UrologicOncology @UroOnc @AmerUrol @EECherullo @cjkane10
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I just entered to win an awesome prize! ul.ink/M0RD2-QEA484_t Let's see if I actually win. Would be great seeing Sir Paul live and in person!
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This is exciting news for ptnts with small renal masses!
15 Aug 2025
Advancing the management of indeterminate renal masses: The emerging role of molecular imaging. @uretericbud @FoxChaseCancer joins @zklaassen_md @GACancerCenter in this conversation, highlighting exciting developments in molecular imaging, particularly the #ZIRCON trial's TLX250 carbonic anhydrase 9 PET scan. #WatchNow > bit.ly/4krm5Ul
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I'm devastated to read this news. An awful loss!
This makes my heart hurt 😢. Certainly a wonderful doctor and fierce advocate but mostly an all around incredible human. What a loss!
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I am so sorry I loved reading his posts. I even got a few responses from him. My condolences to the family.
The Skeptical Scalpel passed away on June 19th, 2025. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. You can read about a remarkable man's life well lived here (thegreencremation.com/obitua…) . He will be missed by all who knew him.
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
Look at some of the impact of DOD CDMRP funding. @BraunMDPhD is presenting the personalized vaccine in RCC published in @Nature. Please restore funding. It went from $50 Million to $0 Dollars. We have not solved cancer yet! @kidneycan #KCRS25
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A fish tank would be nice If this is only complaint think you're doing an excellent job!
Perfection is the asymptote towards which we constantly strive (at least now I know where my fifth star went; brb, off to buy a router and an aquarium)
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
Only mug that felt right this morning. Four years ago today, this place saved my life after a rare stage IV cancer at 29, threatened to steal my future. We must continue to support cancer research so more patients have the opportunity to celebrate these beautiful milestones.
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Happy Birthday @montypal
Happy Birthday, Monty! You are known for your mentorship, your respect towards others, and your incredible way to be both so brilliant and so kind. You have many fans at the KCA! @montypal
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Excited to see @kpoulos_ present at #AUA25
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
Patient Perspectives are essential to any field in medicine & @AmerUrological made sure to include them as a part of #AUA25. Watch now as we catch up with several of the patients who brought their insights to the meeting. @bladderexstroph @notaspare_kcadv youtu.be/2ve4FRh6_Ho
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
Four years ago Dr. Hernandez was visiting me on rounds after a stage IV dx at 29 led to Hail Mary of a surgery to give me a shot at a future. Fast forward a few years and we’ve upgraded to him visiting me at my poster instead #AACR25.
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Debra Gottsleben retweeted
Replying to @gottsled
Always such a pleasure to see you! And even better working with you over the past few years 😽
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You did a great job!
I had a great time to #AUA25 in Las Vegas this past weekend! It was a short trip, but I learned so much, made new friends, presented research, and participated in the FUTURE in Urology program!
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