Dear Facebook Family…

Whether we have crossed paths for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, our connection will always remain dear to me. With that said that I must share some news with you. While my years as an educator have given me the experience conveying many things and teaching the next generation(s), expressing what’s to come in this note is a challenge, one which I ever so much wish was not necessary.  It is due to that, that this post has been co written with my son John ( of course with my input 😊 and edits (his comment) as I will always be a teacher).

My family’s goal in sharing this is to provide facts and updates in a goal to avoid rumors, assumptions, or misinformation and to ask you to join our BATTALION to help build and grow our positive energies and mindsets. 

This is my first public sharing of how our world was turned upside down.  Towards the end of 2024, I was given news that my next challenge would be my greatest. I have been diagnosed with an incurable, fast growing/aggressive mass, called small cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC).While this is incurable, our hope is for a miracle of eradication of the masses or at least management of them through chemotherapy. Our optimism remains high and positive. 

 In the months since, I have undergone many scans, biopsies, consultations and started chemotherapy. Currently, I have completed 6 rounds of a very strong chemo concoction. As one can imagine, at the start my body recovered from chemo in a decent amount of time, but as the chemo became cumulative, recovery has been slower and slower. Initially the potential of surgery was ruled out, however on December 8th, we received news that there “may be” a window of opportunity for surgery. While the cancer remains incurable, surgery may provide an opportunity for a more positive long-term outcome. As of writing this, we have begun initial consultations regarding this potential and another to follow. 

There are many details to share, as I am sure there may be many questions you may have. I would ask for understanding that during this tough challenge, I must focus on my health and recovery not only for myself, but my husband, children, grandchildren and all the family, friends and connections that are soo soo near and dear to me. My world has been made a better place, by each and every one of you, and will continue to be.

It is never easy to share this news and in writing this, it makes it ever more real. I would ask that if you wish to reach out to me directly, either virtually (text, messenger etc.), via phone or in person, please keep these focused on positive thoughts, vibes, prayers, etc. During this time, I must focus on my challenging journey and remain positive and optimistic. Your messages will help fuel my heart, my soul and my head. If you have questions, helpful thoughts, or anything else, please reach out to John (323-708-8164) or via messenger and he will respond. 

If you want to find out more about my journey both what has gone on and what is to come, as well as stay updated on how things go, I welcome you to join “Bette’s Battalion” at www.bettesbattalion.ca , where my children will keep you updated as well as respond to questions, comments, suggestions, connections and anything that you think may help. 

This battle is My Rise, My Call, and I am soo incredibly grateful for all your love, prayers, positive thoughts/vibes and support throughout this oh so challenging journey.

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN 🥰

Celebrate Life💕

Live Life Loudly😍

Hugs and love to all,

Bette, Stan, Christianne and John 

The hardest post I’ve ever written. Goodbye mom…rest easy 🖤🤍🖤🤍

It is with unbearable heartache that I share with you that the battle is over. This evening, Sept 16, surrounded by the three of us, mom passed away peacefully. 

We will share further details in the coming days but wanted to share this news with the battalion. 

We sincerely appreciate all that you have done for mom and ourselves, from visits, to calls, texts, sending cards, food for us, and the many many different gestures that we know touched mom so deeply. 

SHE WAS BRAVE

SHE WAS STRONG

SHE IS NEW AGAIN 🥰

Celebrate Life💕

Live Life Loudly😍

Hello everyone, 

A quick update to report back that mom has tested negative for covid. She has slowly been improving from the pneumonia that she was battling.

After a few delays, setbacks and obstacles, we will be proceeding with chemo starting on Tuesday August 26th. This will be the same chemo that she had when she first started treatment, however at a reduced dosage to begin. During the initial treatments, this regime showed positive results, however, it has the potential for negative side affects. 

We will be monitoring 🧐 her closely over the next week to ensure any signs of caution are quickly remedied. If you have an extra prayer, positive thought, or good vibe to send, we gladly appreciate it. 🫶 

I’ll keep you updated as I can. 

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Battalion, 

It seems that the unexpected has become our expected. Mom had another setback that occurred at the end of last week. While having routine bloodwork last week, some of it indicated the possibility of an infection or other potential concern. Currently they have ruled out COVID, Sepsis, C.Difficile and a UTI, with the diagnosis likely to be pneumonia due to aspiration. Mom is on antibiotics which seem to be working and clearing up the lungs and she was and is still showing no symptoms. Due to this, chemo is on hold and will likely not resume until next Monday (Aug 25). 

While we wait for chemo, she will continue to work to eat, get stronger and continue with the positive mindset to beat this thing. 

I cannot express enough how much mom wishes she could be spending time with all of you and making memories. These moments and memories are things she cherishes ever so much. However, it is imperative that she be able to rest and regain strength to continue the battle and be ready for chemo. 

Your continued messages, texts, prayers, vibes etc. are invaluable in this journey and mom is ever so grateful. 

If you have any questions or need to reach out, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Battalion, 

We wanted to share a bit of an update on mom. We decided to postpone the chemo to give a few more days for her to be on TPN and get nutrients. We anticipate her starting chemo either Friday or sometime over the weekend. 

We have engaged a palliative care doctor, not because of the traditional reasons that may come to mind, but because these physicians specialize in the overall quality of life and entire body treatment of a patient, not just their own clinical focus. Dr. Love, yes that’s her name, has already made an adjustment to meds and will be back tomorrow for further consultation. Tomorrow, mom will also have an endoscopy to get “a look inside” to see if there is any observable reason for her continued early satiety, nausea and vomiting issues. She also recently has developed a few blood clots which are being treated. 

While we may have been radio silent for the last bit, your continued emails, texts, messages, thoughts, prayers and vibes continue to reach us and fuel mom. Even with the “setbacks” and bumps in the road, mom continues to remain positive and focused on fighting this battle, and your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Love and Hugs

Battalion, 

Since last week's update, we made the decision to have me re-admitted to the hospital. I have not been able to consume enough nutrients to regain my strength which I ultimately need for chemo and to continue this battle. While I am back on TPN and fluids I am also trying to continue to consume as much as possible orally. The goal right now is for for me to regain enough strength to start chemo next Wednesday. 

For this round of chemo, we are going back to the regiment that I began this journey on last fall. The hope is that it will work as well as it did in the fall and that we will see a hopeful reduction in the masses. 

I deeply appreciate all the messages, positive thoughts, vibes and prayers - they brighten my day and offer a few moments of distraction.

Much Love & Many Hugs

Good morning dear family and friends….

I’ve been home for a week now. It’s been lovely to be in my own home and especially to sleep in my own bed. 

It’s been a struggle to eat/ drink since my surgery. We’ve tried many things, liquids, creamy liquids, semi solids, meds, etc. And we will continue the exploration. The result is I have little energy and strength for anything extra in my days. I move from room to room and furniture to furniture. On a couple of occasions I’ve spent an hour out watching my family enjoy the outdoors which I loved. I have had extra hydration a couple of times, which really helps. I go back on Monday for more. It’s a complex situation.

I apologize for being unavailable for visits, something you know I thrive on….My immediate family is where I’ve concentrated what energy I have. I am so blessed to have had all of them here for 5 weeks. 

We are NOT giving up! We hope to find a routine that works to keep foods down and builds my strength to return to chemo.  Battalion we need your force, prayers, vibes and motivation!! 

Updates may be sporadic over the next little while, but do know I cherish all the messages, pictures, emojis even if I can't respond. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to John, Stan or Christianne. 

THANK YOU for all you do!

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG 

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN ❤️

CELEBRATE LIFE 💖

Love and hugs 

Bette

Hi dearest friends and family…

After 35 days in hospital.. my tummy is still not cooperating so im very uncomfortable eating and afterwards. But scans show everything is working fine following the surgery and recovery. 

I came home yesterday to a wonderful welcome sign created by my dearest friend Lana .!!!!!!what a surprise!! 

I’m home with a prescription for morphine along with the anti nausea pills to hopefully get rid of the discomfort in my tummy and the nausea that makes me want to vomit. And, most importantly, a chance to eat more to regain strength. At this time I am weak and a little shaky.

I am forever grateful to my loves, Stan, John, Christianne and family, for being there every step of the way during my 35 days in the SJRH. Though many days were uncomfortable through pre and post surgery and recovery, their smiles, love and support gave me such comfort.

It also goes without saying that YOUR texts, calls, cards, flowers, food for my family, love and support encouraged me to persevere through the difficult times. I thank you and feel truly blessed.

Going forward my goal is to regain a lot of strength and health to prepare for further chemo treatments as soon as possible, knowing that all of this time without chemo will mean some growth in my disease.

Again thank you!

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN ❤️

CELEBRATING LIFE💖

Hugs

Bette

Hello Battalion,

As John mentioned, my surgery went well, and I’ve never been so happy to wake up!! Now for recovery, not just of the insides but also the entire scope of the surgery especially the normal function of the stomach and intestines. I’m still in the hospital, which I will be for maybe another week. This is to ensure that not only the surgery heals properly, and the vomiting and backup has ceased, but that I continue to get the nutrition and supplements required to get stronger and healthier. 

For the surgery the doctor essentially pulled up a part of my small bowel and connected it to the lower back side of my stomach and then created an opening. As my body heals and the bowel and stomach get reintroduced to liquids and foods, the flow through the bypass will begin. I am on TPN (liquid vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, omega 3, lipids, etc) given via my chest port and saline to replace fluids lost through my NG tube which is pulling the bile etc from my stomach. We are waiting for that to balance before removing it but I have just progressed beyond only having chips of ice. It will be a day or so of the small sips of water, then moving to basic clear liquids in controlled amounts. Whenever I feel nauseous or the oncoming sensation to vomit, I can activate the NG tube and will continue to do so until I can go home safely, being able to consume not just liquids, but creamy substances like yogurt, pudding etc. 

Post-surgery I was placed on a new floor and was fortunate to get a private room. This has helped somewhat with being able to sleep longer and nap. I’m able to get up and use the restroom unassisted, and as of today was cleared by PT as I was able to not only walk the unit multiple times but also do stairs. I’m hopeful to be back to chemo in 3+ weeks, provided there are no issues with the healing process. 

As much as I miss everyone dearly and cannot wait to catch up, to do that, I need as much reset and relaxation as possible. I echo what John has mentioned in previous updates. At this time, we must restrict visitors. If you have any questions or need to get something to me or the family, please reach out directly to John. 

We love you all and are all so appreciative of the thoughtful, loving cards, gifts, flowers, gifts of food for my family and especially for your love and support!!! 

I AM BRAVE 

I AM STRONG 

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN!! 

I'M BACK   

~ Bette

Battalion, 

I wanted to provide a brief update on mom. 

Last week was mostly no food and just hydration via IV as well as some meds. It showed promise and by Friday mom was allowed to leave until Sunday evening. Unfortunately, come early Sunday morning, the symptoms had returned and out of caution we returned to the hospital at 3am. Since then, mom has been put back on IV as well as only sips of water. She has a new hospitalist (Dr.’s who patients are admitted under) who is very engaged and working to come up with a solution to both the immediate concern, lack of protein and other needed nutrients, as well as creating a plan to deal with the blockage in her duodenum. 

With Tuesday being Canada day, we don’t anticipate receiving more information until Wednesday at the earliest. They have started the process of a TPN tube which would provide much needed nutrition to mom. This is required regardless of what route is chosen to alleviate the duodenum blockage. 

Over the next little while, updates may be sporadic, however if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to John (me) via email, Facebook or calls/texts at 506-498-5098. While visiting at this point needs to be limited due to the priority on rest and conserving energy, cards, emails, texts are very much appreciated by mom. If you wish to mail a card, please reach out to John (me) for the address. 

Through all of this, and in the face of bumps, challenges and adversity, moms’ determination, focus, and resilience continues to amaze me. This is fueled by all of the words, vibes, prayers and comments all of you send which she so very dearly cherishes. 

She is BRAVE

She is STRONG

She will be NEW AGAIN

Hugs & Love

John, Christianne, Bette, Stan & Wesley

Battalion, 

Update regarding mom as I know many anxiously wait to hear how things are going. The new round of chemo started on Monday and while that was mostly “uneventful” the week took a bit of a different path. Monday evening mom started feeling nauseas with an upset stomach, hot/cold flashes and other associated symptoms. This also has resulted in her not being able to retain almost any fluids or food. Tuesday we were back into the hospital for some hydration, IV meds and to get blood taken for cultures. Tuesday evening and through the night there was a similar result with very limited food and liquid being retained, lack of sleep etc. Wednesday, we returned to the hospital in the morning so they could confirm mom’s blood type, which for “fun fact”, mom continues to be rare. Wednesday afternoon she received a unit of blood with a little bit more IV fluids and meds. All blood tests and cultures came back negative and within parameters. 

Thursday in speaking with mom’s oncologist, we planned to be back at the hospital Friday for some hydration. Friday morning there was no real progress on mom feeling better from the symptoms she has felt all week. Something we didn’t share prior is that the CT Scan on May 14th showed an obstruction in her bowel related to cancer. This was not noted by her oncologist, but discovered by her “pretending physician” – Me. 

As a result of this, and the symptoms occurring this week, prior to going to the hospital Friday, I requested a CT scan be done to determine if this blockage has become more restrictive. Unfortunately, the CT scan confirms that there is a blockage, however unsure if it is from the cancer or an inflammation of the bowel. Due to this, mom has been admitted to the hospital and will have a NG tube to alleviate the GI issues to help with discomfort. A scope is being ordered to determine the source of the blockage and depending on that, next steps will be determined. She has been able to retain a bit more water and fluids and seems to be improving slightly.

If anyone has any questions, thoughts, comments, etc. please feel free as always to reach out to me via facebook, email or one of my two cell numbers 323-708-8164 or 506-498-5098

Good morning, 

I hope this finds all of you enjoying sun and blue skies!!

We have had relaxing times at the cottage, rebuilding energy and optimism for tackling this new battle.

This will begin line of treatment #3, chosen as it is very similar to my 1st line of treatment, which was showing very promissing results. 

Once again, it's 2 treatments given every 2 weeks, over a period of 3 days. So today's treatment is in the chemo room. At the end of it, I will leave with a chemo drug running through a bottle, which will still be attached to my port. It takes 46 hours to drain the bottle. Therefore, I will go back on Wednesday to have it disconnected. 

 I'll have 11 days "off," recovering and reenergizing, before beginning round #2.

Behind the scenes, John has been continuously working to find options of treatments,  trials, and financial aid should we need to follow a path out of the country. He has secured a probable opportunity of a trial with the NIH, National Institute of Health, which would be financially covered once we cross the border. Options are what these are, which we will further evaluate more closely as this treatment progresses depending on the success of the current protocol. 

Christianne,  Stan and I are very grateful for all of John’s diligence, efforts, and especially his time and energy spent fighting this battle. 

My family looks forward to your continued LOVE, positive support, optimism, and encouragement for this new line of treatment,  as with the others. Together, we can fight this fight.!!!

These update messages may be words on a screen, but they carry the weight of my family and hold our deepest thanks for all everyone has and continues to do . Your reactions to the updates and quick words of encouragment continue to fuel us all.

We are ready.... Battalion of Warriors take up arms!!! There's a new battle to fight. Let's knock this demon back!!!! No time to waste. 🙏💗

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN

CELEBRATE LIFE❤️

MEMORIES ARE THE JOURNEY 🥰

Hugs and love,

Bette, Stan, John & Christianne

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Battalion, 

John here with today’s update. 

Throughout this journey, positivity and a positive mindset have been cornerstones of mom’s perseverance and fueled her fight. With this focus on positivity, we have made the deliberate choice to keep some cards close to the chest. With that said, I’ll share a little bit more with this update. In doing so I strongly request that any messages to mom remain positive and focused on successful outcomes. For example, when expressing sentiments like “I hope everything goes well” use “Bette you’ve got this, and things will go well” and instead of expressing you are “worried for her” express that you are “confident in her”. Mom needs the focus to be on success and certainty. If you have fears, concerns, worries, or anything like these, reach out to me directly NOT mom. 

With the diagnosis in August of last year, a deliberate decision was made to not focus on prognosis but how we will rewrite the statistics. As with any statistic, outliers exist, and our focus has, continues to, and we (mom) will be an outlier. Prevalence varies, however statistically less than 1% of North America’s population are diagnosed with this type of cancer every year. Further to this, there are other aspects of mom’s cancer that make it even more rare. Again, I share this not to fuel worry, negativity, or rumors but transparency and awareness so that others are cognizant of what my family is facing. What I need for my mom, my sister and her family and Stan, is nothing but positive comments, thoughts, vibes and prayers sent her way. Any concerns, questions, and uncertainty can be sent directly to me and I will spend the time discussing with you. 

With a tentative date of Wednesday July 9th, mom will undergo surgery to reroute the gastrointestinal tract away from the cancer which is causing the blockage. This will allow her to be able to return to eating food as normal and not have the symptoms, discomfort or issues the blockage was causing. This is a fairly standard procedure which will be done laparoscopically, and after meeting the surgeon, we all have full confidence in his abilities. Post surgery, mom will remain in the hospital for 1-2 weeks for recovery. We are also focused on having her return to chemo treatments as soon as possible to continue the battle, one which we (she) will win. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of positive messages when engaging with mom in any form. Do not share your worries, fears, concerns or whatever it may be with her. If you need to, reach out to me. Lots have asked what we need, or what they can do…we need the positive and we need the certainty not the hope, for this is a battle she will win and a task that I “Can’t Afford To Fail”. 

I’ll keep everyone updated as things progress and am grateful for all the support thus far. 

MOM IS BRAVE 

MOM IS STRONG 

MOM WILL BE NEW AGAIN. 

CELEBRATE LIFE  

Good Sunday afternoon Warriors,

I hope this finds you all feeling well and enjoying the day. I am currently enjoying time with my loves in Ottawa. Stan departed for Edmonton on Friday.

We have a few things planned this week, but it’s slow and steady to conserve energy but gain strength. After treatment, round 4 ended 9 days ago, I’m getting my energy and strength back at a bit better pace. 

Over the past 2 weeks I had a CT Scan to see how the treatment was affecting the disease. Following that we had 3 consults with Dr Chauhan, 2 with Dr Michael and another with Dr Singh, the neuroendocrine specialist at Sunnybrook.

After all of that, it’s been determined that this last treatment has not been successful. There has been some growth, which disappoints and discourages us. This was obviously not the right choice of treatment, that took up 2 months. However, thanks to our specialists consults, a new plan has been determined and a new line of treatment will begin June 11th. It is similar to my first protocol and will be employed every 2 weeks, so 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. We are very optimistic that this line of treatment will be as effective as my very first one, and will knock back this monster….

So, chins up my battalion. Think positivity! Fuel your souls and mine with encouragement and determination. We will get through this, with all of you by our sides, in our hearts and in our lives…. We know you will continue to be there, pushing, hoping and praying. We love time with you and your smiles and love.

Again, thanks to all that you do. I love seeing our merchandise on those who have it, a symbol of warriors! If you ordered but don’t have it yet please reach out after June 6th and we will deliver it. We so appreciate the time, texts, calls, delicious drop offs and your care and concern.

For now we continue to CELEBRATE my dear daughter, CHRISTIANNE, on her 40th birthday. CHEERS to many more birthday years together.! 🥂🍾🍸🍻🎉🎂🎈🍹

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN

CELEBRATING LIFE!

Hugs and love

Bette

Battalion, 

I know many of you are anxiously awaiting an update. My family and I are forever grateful for your watchful eyes and care and concern. At times an update may be that there is no update or we are awaiting other details.

Wednesday we had a great hour long, virtual meeting with Dr. Chauhan who is the specialist at the University of Miami. A doctor, not much older than John & Christianne, who has dedicated his practice to Neuroendocrine cancer and has vowed to one day find a cure. He gave us further info on options after the current line of treatment is completed, be it one more or max three more. While we long for a more “stable routine”, it is great to have options, however they themselves come with lots of advance research and planning. Wednesday afternoon I had a CTScan to determine how effective this line of treatment has been.

Friday, we had a consult with Dr. Michael to prep for the next round of the current chemo and review the CT scan. Unfortunately, the CT scan was not read by a radiologist, which means we don’t have a definitive review of it. Dr. Michael indicated that the overall size of each mass has remained the same, it is being kept at bay by his treatment. The decision of whether to continue this line of treatment or not is difficult to make without the results of the scan.

We continue to evaluate various options and were fortunate to have a group zoom call on Saturday with Dr. Chauhan. We were able to pose a question related to the current situation we face and gain his valuable insight. John continues to utilize his various contacts to get other perspectives and input on the appropriate next steps, and we hope that the scan results will come this week. As John has said numerous times and I have now used myself, information whether it be “good or bad” is knowledge and with knowledge comes better decisions. 

My next treatment begins tomorrow and continues Thursday and Friday. I am finding that fatigue is the main side effect so I have not been very physically active. Motivation seems to be more difficult this time, something to work on more diligently. I’ve begun to experience peripheral neuropathy, basic numbness, in my feet but with Stan’s support I have a foot roller, a foot massage guy (Stan), and an electric, heated foot massager. 

I continue to be forever thankful for the love and support of all of you. We had a great Bette’s Battalion merchandise pickup event Mothers Day weekend, and a photo collage will be created to share. Memories are the journey!! I look forward 

to more texts, calls, check in, walks, visits, coffee, meals out and games nights, and just knowing you ARE THERE, cheering me on silently, by checking my messages.

Also, to my family, huge thanks and gratitude for being on this journey, so closely by my side. Christianne’s time here gave her a great appreciation for what’s involved in research, support, treatments, decision making and keeping a positive attitude. I truly am blessed by her having the time to be with us.

As mentioned I am eternally grateful to John for giving up what he had in LA and devoting his time, energy, and mental and emotional space to take the lead on this journey. His current motto is “Can’t Afford To Fail”, the thought touches my heart deeply. That also is the name of one of the songs he released to a few friends and will make a public release in the near future. I’ll share that when the time comes.

Again, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU💖

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG 

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN!!

Celebrate life 💖

Hugs and love from me and my clan.

Happy Sunday!! 

I just wanted to give you all an update following my 3rd round of treatment which ended Wednesday. My symptoms are increasing somewhat. My plans are one day at a time. Since the steroids wore off on Thursday, I've been quite physically exhausted, had low blood pressure,a swollen tongue ( which makes it a bit of a challenge to articulate properly), and the peripheral neuropathy on my feet has spread to my entire foot (I’m doing some exercises to help along with heat and a foot massager). So I haven't done much at all or even gotten dressed some days. 😉 Recognizing the need to not over exert is crucial. 

We went to church this morning even though it took a lot out of me. But it was spiritually what I needed. So for the remainder of the day it will be REST!

Christianne was here for a week and, I believe, gained a new appreciation for the challenges of this journey and a great amount of gratitude for all the time, heart and commitment that John is putting in to Mom’s care. His research and newly acquired knowledge know no end. I’m forever grateful, my heart filled with love and respect……Stan has also been amazing with his never ending patience, love, time and generosity. I couldn’t face this journey without these three gems.

I remain forever blessed by my extended family and you my friends who are always there leading the battalion and inspiring and encouraging me to keep up the fight.

This week will be fairly quiet as we have no appointments but hopefully the energy for some social gatherings. The following week I have a CTScan on the 14th to determine the efficacy of this protocol of drugs, followed by an appointment on the 16th with Dr Michael, for those results. 

We also have a VERY important virtual appointment with Dr Aman Chauhan, a leading Neuroendocrine cancer researcher and medical oncologist at the University of Miami Hospital. The majority of his patients are dealing with Neuroendocrine Cancer. We have many questions and trust he will have great knowledge of options going forward.  Again, this appointment is solely due to John, his connections, his thorough research.

I wish you a great, relaxing day.! Thank you again for all that you give!

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN!

CELEBRATE LIFE ❤️

Hi friends and family, 

I am slower with my updates but things are going ok, so no news is good news 🥰

My 3 days of treatment went well with one little blip. The first day my treatment was in the afternoon. That morning I had a French vanilla/coffee drink. Then a cafe latte Boost protein drink before going to the hospital. They started and completed the IV transfer of a steroid and the 1st drug. All good! Then then started my 2nd drug, during which I wear the blood pressure cuff and a reading taken every 15 minutes since this drug can affect heart rate. John grabbed me a hot chocolate from SecondCup which I enjoyed. About 5 minutes in to a 30 minute transfer I started feeling light headed, hot, was flushed and felt the possibility of passing out. The nurses noted that my blood pressure was higher than it should be so the treatment was paused. They gave me a couple of stabilizing drugs and waited for my blood pressure to drop to normal, which took about 20 minutes. The treatment was completed. Phew!!! My assumption? Tooooooo much caffeine!! Soooo for the next 2 treatments there was minimal caffeine and all went well.

Once again I had small side effects with complete hair loss and fatigue for 3-4 days being the main ones. Life happens and we push on, undaunted. So a week after I’m feeling well and trying to regain my energy for pickleball and the Y. I’m so grateful to my men for supporting and encouraging me. I’ve been blessed with some special moments with good friends and former colleagues, which always boosts my energy and my drive to fight….my RESILIENCE RISING!!

We are exploring and are close to incorporating an immunotherapy drug into my next treatment block. I’m so grateful to John for all that he does while taking the lead role in my healthcare fight. John, through all of his hours of research, discovered this therapy. So we met with Dr Michael, who agreed that it was a good plan to consider. 

My next treatment is April 28, 29 & 30. I’m confident all will go well. In the meantime I have another 12 days to LIVE LIFE LOUDLY!

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN!

CELEBRATE LIFE ❤️

Hugs and love to all!

Hi Battalion, 

I hope all is super well with each of you and yours!! I’m so grateful and blessed to have you as champions of my challenging journey. Every call, visit, gift, text, happy emoji, meal together fuels my soul, my heart and my mind. Do continue, even when I seem to be am quiet.

The 18 days following my 1st round of the new treatment went really well, surprisingly with few side effects. Friday I had blood tests and an appointment with Dr Michael. He is very pleased with how my body is reacting to this new treatment. My blood results were all good which means treatment is a go for next week. Like the last time I go on Monday afternoon for 2 hours, for consecutive IV drip of 2 different drugs. Then Tuesday and Wednesday I will receive only 1 of the two which takes about an hour. Dr Michael believes that my body should react in the same way. Woohooooo…..

In the meantime, I am truly grateful and blessed by John and his never ending search for information on medical marvels, trials, and the most knowledgeable physicians in North America. The hours and hours he spends in research mode is incredible. It is truly very consoling and reassuring to me to have him leading my team. 

I also want to thank everyone who supported the ongoing merchandise  fundraising efforts of John and Christianne. I feel truly grateful. I can’t wait to have a photo opportunity in May. What an awesome memory that will be. 

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN!!

CELEBRATING life!

MAKING MEMORIES!

Hugs

A quick update, basically to say that's it's been a good week. I've really had no side effects of this round of treatment!!! Wootwoot..

I also gave myself the shot to promote white blood cells production a couple of hours ago and all is good so far. 

Positive attitude,  positive results...

Have a great weekend. 

Hugs and love to all!!

As I sit and ponder tomorrow’s date I can’t help but believe that St Patrick will be in my corner starting tomorrow and for many years going forward. Why? You may wonder….many of you recall that March 17th, tomorrow, is the beginning day of the next round of chemo. I will receive the drugs via my port again. The treatments happen over 3 days, and will take 30-50 minutes for the infusion of chemo drugs each day. This time there will be no baby bottle going home, but I will need to be on the premises of the chemo room for 3 hours, over 3 consecutive days. 

Time will tell how my body will react to the brand new, to me, concoction. I will be armed with steroids and anti nausea meds to help with the process, along with a self given med to inspire my bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Remember that my body seems to fight hard and I have been short on these neutrophils on several occasions. Hoping this med brings great results.

This treatment consists of 4 treatments over 3 months, I will have 18 non IV days between each session.

We pray and are super optimistic that this next round will be as effective as the first. This one has a little harder fight since I’ve been 9 weeks without treatments to keep the growth at bay.

We need your love, encouragement, positive vibes and prayers going forward. We are so fortunate that you’ve all been our champions, our warriors, a part of Bette’s Battalion.

We will get the results from the Halifax scan when we meet with Dr Michael on April 4th. Though we don’t expect it to show anything more than the PETScan.

Once again, I am truly touched and grateful for your continued love and support over these past 6 months. And I am truly blessed to have my devoted and loving husband, daughter and son who all take such great care and love me unconditionally. John’s presence here, his undivided attention to detail and research have been a God send. Our time with Christianne and her guys gave me so much joy, inspiration and strength to fight the next hurdle. Thanks to John, my body is much more ready to do so. Thanks to all of you, my dear friends and family, my heart, soul and head are ready also.

Sending loads of appreciative love and hugs.

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG 

I WILL, WILL, WILL BE NEW AGAIN.

Celebrate LIFE!🥰💖

John, Stan and I were very pleased to meet with Dr Bertens in person. She continues to be the caring, compassionate individual we first met online, and through the several emails that John shared with her.

We hoped she would have other supportive ideas, either from her colleagues, or the provincial panel, but she did not. However the up side is that their beliefs are aligning with Dr Michael. We were seeking a second opinion on the options of surgery and of treatment going forward. They all agree that due to the mostly small cell nature of the disease that surgery is not and will not be an option. They also would choose the same treatment as Doctor Michael has chosen to use for the next rounds. It’s comforting to know that being in his care going forward with this treatment is a good place. Her true compassion and care showed through as she reassured us that she is just a cal or an email away and will still be available going forward with any support that we made seek.

While I still have the Galium scan March 10th, we don’t expect that it will tell us much more. The same as our meeting with Dr Gala-Lopez. But for assurance we will still go forward with them.

The treatments are scheduled to begin March 17th. Treatments take 1 hour per day for 3 consecutive days, so March 17, 18, 19, then 18 days off. We are positively optimistic that this will bring good things and get us back in to the shrinking mode. 

My head is clear, all results are processed and I go forward with positive energy and a view of a goal to make this in to a management for life, a long one, situation. I am ready to FIGHT once again.

Your continued, interest, connections with encouraging words, positive vibes, hope, and prayers will continue to support me and my family, as always. We love your hearts emojis, your smiles, your thumbs up, your GIFs, your words, and your nourishing meals. Of course we LOVE time with YOU the most!!

I’m feeling really well, I’m energized, nourished and loved. I’m hoping to spend quality time with as many of you as possible, once we are home from Ottawa mid week, and before March 17th. Feel free to message privately to plan a visit or get together. 

Much Love and hugs to all….

REMEMBER…….

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN! ❤️

Good morning dear family and friends, 

its been a busy few days so I’m sorry for the tardy update. We are currently enjoying another day at the shore with our dear friends Sheryl and Mark.

We had the consult with Dr Michael, with our awesome team in place. Not as hoped for, but after 6 weeks without chemo, rebuilding my strength, appetite and energy, the PETScan showed slight growth in all areas. Again the break was necessary to allow for the PETScan to be completed without the complications added by chemo fluids. We are still anxiously awaiting a date for the Gallium scan in Halifax. Hopefully, since John is currently in Halifax for the weekend, he will be able to work his charm and confirm a date with the scheduler, in person, at the VG.

The plan going forward is to change up the treatment that will address more precisely the small cell component to my disease. Therefore, in a couple of weeks I will restart treatments. This one will be a 1 hour per day, for 3 consecutive days, with2 separate drugs. This will be followed by a 3 week break, and will consist of 4 treatments. So at the end of June there will be another CTScan to see how things are going. 

During the next few months my biopsies will also be tested for a 3rd line trial drug, which requires certain markers to be a candidate for administration of this drug. 

In the interim, JOHN, STAN and I are traveling to Ottawa on Wednesday for an in person consult with Dr Bertens and hopefully her oncologist colleague. Her opinion gives us more reassurance and information. 

Of course, the week long trip, spending time with Christianne’s family, will fuel our souls and hearts with love and memories. This will give me the strength and optimism to take on the challenges of the new treatments. 

We want to thank all of you for standing with us, for helping us stay strong and positive. Every thumbs up, smilie emojies, hearts, GIFS, and positive words and vibes are all noticed and fill us with hope and encouragement.

LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL❤️

I AM BRAVE

I AM STRONG

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN

CELEBRATE LIFE.

To my dear Battalion,   

I’m sure many of you are wondering about our experience today with my consulting with the OGH surgeon, Dr. Kim Bertens.  In a couple of words, it was great. Not that we received an “exact answer” to the surgery question, but we were so impressed with this young doctor. 

She was incredibly informed regarding all of my scans and test results. She had thoroughly examined them and came away with questions and inquiries about them. In response to her queries she is sending my CTScans for further examination by the radiologist at the OGH (Ottawa General Hospital) and has asked for slides of my biopsies to be further studied by the pathologist with whom she works. She is very thorough. Her summation of “perhaps we COULD operate but SHOULD we?” was greatly appreciated by us. 

She will await the results also of the PetScan and the Galium 68 scan. We will have a follow up consult near the end of February. She feels the PETScan will giver her the information she will need to make a decision regarding the possibilities of surgery. 

In the  meantime she will bring my results to her team of specialists and will put my case forward to a provincial group of specialists also. 

We came away very impressed and very confident in her professionalism and her quest for further information. 

As previously mentioned, my PETscan is on Feb 12, and a follow up appointment with Dr Michael on the 21st. 

The next couple of weeks will hopefully pass quickly as we anxiously await the results. In the meantime I remain on pause with any treatment. My energy has recuped to 50% and continues to improve each day. 

Tomorrow will be a telltale day as we take the journey to Bangor to drop John off at the airport for a 7 day return to LA. We will overnight so I don’t push my limits beyond my capacity.

Once again, thank you for your upbeat comments, your texts, and calls, and the nourishment of our bellies and our spirits. 

I AM BRAVE 

I AM STRONG 

I WILL BE NEW AGAIN!

CELEBRATE LIFE!

 Hi dear friends and family…… 

My days continue to improve, I’m probably at 35% of capacity which is positive for me. I take much rest after any outings or in house visits. Once again thank you all for your care and concern supported by such positivity and encouragement. 

Just to update on what’s happening. I have blood tests and a port flush on Monday. On Wednesday, Feb 5th, we have a virtual consult with a surgeon at the Ottawa General (much thanks to Marc Gaudet). Dr Kim Bertens will discuss her perspective on the possibilities, risks, etc, of a surgical option. We look forward to that conversation. 

On February 12th I have my SJRH Petscan. Followed by an appointment within 7 days with Dr Michael to review those results, we hope. According to the Nuclear Medicine department at the VG hospital in Halifax I am the first on their list for new bookings so we anticipate a call in the next week. We are happy with how this is progressing.

I am so grateful to John for his convincing, cajoling, outgoing personality which has ensured us great service from the hospitals. We also had a long conversation with a retired nurse from the US whose husband passed away, filled with neurendocrine tumours, 10 years ago. This challenge encouraged her to be a fighter and patient advocate for people challenged with the fight of neuroendocrine cancer. Her advice and encouragement were well received. 

Once again we feel so blessed with everyone who fills our lives with optimism, positivity, love and friendship. 

Thank you all. 

I AM STRONG< I AM BRAVE< I WILL BE NEW AGAIN…. Celebrate Life