Updates From HQ

After “Living Life Loudly” and Resiliently Rising to face the battle of her life, Bette Myles Basque of Saint John, N.B., loving wife of Stan, was forced to give up her incredible fight with High Grade Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, one which she faced with trademark positivity, courage and grace, on September 16th, 2025 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. 

Born on May 6, 1958, in Saint John, she was a daughter of the late Gordon and Barbara (Magee) Myles. Bette was proudly a student of the first graduating class of Kennebecasis Valley High School and then a graduate of the University of New Brunswick obtaining degrees in Arts and Education. Bette devoted her career to educating and enriching the lives of students through her passionate teaching of the French language, spending the majority of her career at Lakefield Elementary School. In staying true to one of her favourite motos, “Celebrate Life”, Bette will be fondly remembered for embracing every opportunity, whether big or small, to “Making Memories” (and taking selfies) with all those who have crossed her path. Whether it was a dinner with friends, quiet conversation at Basque’s on the Rocks, nights with the “Bridge Ladies”, sorority meetings or enjoying the arts in its various forums, Bette cherished all that life gave her. Connecting and celebrating others brought Bette much joy and these connections she held dearly, stayed with and fueled her through her courageous battle. 

Throughout Bette’s life, sports remained constant and ever present, whether it be as a basketball and volleyball player in her early years, to taking on the organization and education of new basketball referees with the KVMBA, to being a proud, enthusiastic and supportive parent on the sidelines for her children’s sporting endeavours. This support continued with the same excitement for her grandchildren as well as the many other individuals both blood and chosen who she supported with energy and enthusiasm. 

Family was an ever-present priority for Bette and remained as such for her entire life. As the middle child in the Myles family, Bette held a unique bond with both her older and younger siblings. In meeting Bill at 18 years of age, Bette became a fond member of the Theriault Tribe and cherished that family connection throughout her life. Bette’s most loved family connection was that with her children. The traits and characteristics, teachings and learnings and the love and devotion taught to them by Bette and Bill, remain ever present and recognizable in both Christianne and John. 

After the passing of her first husband, Bette spent the next few years reflecting on the past, but mindful and excited of the future ahead. In 2015 Bette met Stan and together they formed a bond that included a shared love of travel, family, fun and sunsets at Basque’s on The Rocks. A steadfast and doting husband, Stan provided Bette with care and comfort throughout their time together and selflessly dedicated himself to her throughout her battle. With family being an important part of her life, Bette embraced Stan’s family. 

Besides her husband Stan, Bette is survived by her children; Christianne Miedema (Joseph) and John Theriault (Wesley), grandchildren; Ben and Luke Miedema, brothers; Wayne Myles (Joan), Hutson Myles (Diana), sister Barbara Baldwin, brothers-in-law; John Theriault (Brenda), Jim Theirault (Joanne), C.P. Theriault (Ruth), sisters-in-law; Christine Zinder (Steve), Eva Carmen (Don), Michelle Kingston and Dina Theriault, chosen sister Margo Hall, as well as the members of the Basque family whom she loved and adored, as well as many nieces, nephew, and friends.

Bette was predeceased by her first husband Bill Theriault, sister Carol Myles, brother Archie Myles, parents-in-law Dr. John and Rita Theriault, brothers-in-law George Theriault (Dina), Dennis Theriault (Betty), Michael Kingston (Michelle) as well as adored members of the Basque family; parents-in-law Hormisdas and Bertha Basque as well as sister-in-law Geraldine Graves.

To all the members of Bette’s Battalion near and far, your steadfast support had a tremendous impact every day of this battle. The family would like to thank the nurses, ward clerks and staff of 5A South at the Saint John Regional Hospital for their dedication and care. They would also like to acknowledge Susan Meckler Plummer and Dr. Aman Chauhan for their guidance and support during this journey. For those who wish, donations in memory of Bette, can be made to Minkahz NETs Misson, a charity that became instrumental in her fight and one that her children will continue to not only support, but to work and lead, as they continue the battle in honour of their parents. 

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) with visiting on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 12 – 2PM and 6- 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Rothesay, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11AM. 

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😍

Battalion, 

A quick update on mom. Tuesday, September 8th was her second round of chemo. During the chemo treatment she experienced the sudden onset of backpain which she has not felt before. After trying a few options to assess if this was an allergic reaction, the pain did not decrease so morphine was given. After a few doses spread over several hours, the pain finally subsided. Mom had a decent sleep that night and woke up with no pain. The next few days were good.

Saturday and Sunday where the toughest days mom has had so far. Both were mostly filled with vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness and lots of sleep. She was given hydration on Saturday and then after blood tests on Sunday, a unit of Platelets. After some more rest, this appears to have helped, and mom is showing slight improvement. 

The next couple days we’ll be watching closely to the blood results as well pushing for a CT scan. This will help evaluate the outcome of chemo so far and to assess potential causes or relations to these recent challenges. 

Good afternoon, dear ones,

It's been 13 days since my first time back to treatments in a while. It all went well. Other than a lot of fatigue,  a swollen tongue, and the "foggy groggies," the side effects were manageable.

 Tomorrow will be round 2 with hopes of similar outcomes. And treatments every other Tuesday to follow. After 2-3 they will do a scan to see how effective things are. 

I'll remain in hospital as long as I need the TPN feed. My stomach still is not functioning as I need it to so time here in hospital is a bit indefinite. 

Our optimism and spirit s run high. Much of it thanks to you, the Battalion,

My gratefulness is hard to express towards Stan and his unconditional love, and his 10 hour days here with me. 

My blessings are many in having John leading the way for motivation and medical. And the 1 am delivery of noise canceling headset 😀.

Christianne is an amazing daughter who loves and supports in every way. Im grateful for her love and continously checking. Always ready to drop things at home and return here.

I am BRAVE

I am STRONG

I will BE NEW AGAIN.

Thank you all for not wavering from your support. I see and read everything and each one inspires me. Your love pushes me on. A strong attitude from a strong battalion.

Love and hugs.

Battalion,

This update will let you know how things are going, and a bit more into how it has gone. 

I’ll start with an update. Mom started chemo on Tuesday August 26th. As you are aware, this was a long time coming as she faced setbacks and challenges. So far, we are cautiously hopeful. She is tolerating this round much the same as before, however energy level and overall tiredness remain a challenge. She will undergo another round or two and then have a scan so we can determine effectiveness. She has been started on a reduced dose of this chemo to help provide her the best chance at tolerating the side effects and toxicity of it. 

Right now, Mom spends much of her time resting—guarding her strength, conserving her energy for the battles ahead. She remains determined, but her body demands more care and more space. I know many of you want to visit, and we are deeply thankful for that love, but I must ask that you reach out to me first. Protecting her energy is vital, and this boundary comes from a place of love, not distance.

Seeking to share a bit more, and with mom’s agreement, I’ll provide a bit more detail surrounding this journey. This is NOT to create worry or a negative mindset as we NEED your continued positive thoughts as this journey is far from over. 

August 30th, 2025 marks 1 year since mom’s first meeting with her oncologist. August 7th, 2025 marked one year from the date that she was officially diagnosed with High Grade Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. At the time of mom’s diagnosis and subsequent sharing of the news, it was shared that this is a rare, highly invasive, incurable cancer. While that remains true, what we didn’t know at the time or share, was that her cancer also has a number of mutations and deletions, adding to the rarity and challenge of this battle. 

The prognosis…8-12 months from time of diagnosis. This may be the “stat” but when given the prognosis, mom was focused on rewriting the stats.  

This is a rare form of cancer, rarer than most physicians appreciate and with more challenges, unknowns  and variables than one can imagine. While I won’t go into specifics, there are a significant number of mistakes, oversights, and decisions that were or weren’t made that could have had this journey be done already. These are not small things that are inconsequential or have reasonable reason for occurring. I take no pride in saying this, these were and still are being caught by myself and decisions, options and solutions continue to be directed by me. If you listen to “Can’t Afford To Fail” it means more now than it did when I wrote it. 

I will forever be grateful for two individuals, Dr. Chauhan and Susan Meckler Plummer who have given us more than guidance - they’ve given us hope and direction in moments that could have broken us. The work that Susan does with her charity is immeasurable and the support she has provided us can never be repaid. This battle also cannot be fought without the support, time and care that Stan and Christianne have given and continue to. And most of all, Mom - who when faced with this situation and repeated challenges, has continued trusting my decisions even when the road is hard. 

I share all of this not to bring worry, but to bring clarity. This is the reality of her fight, and yet it is also a story of resilience, of love, and of refusing to give up. We cannot continue without your support. Every card, every meal, every flower, every text or call, every prayer or thought—you have no idea how much they matter. They lift her, and they remind us that we are not alone.

For everyone who has joined us in this fight—for every single member of this Battalion—we are forever, deeply grateful.

As mom would say…

SHE IS BRAVE 

SHE IS STRONG 

SHE WILL BE NEW AGAIN!

~John

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.