GONE

After a real battle my beloved went "home" to Jesus. The Fight is over.

A Deacon csres

Dear Brother in Christ,

I cannot imagine the pain that you must be feeling at this time, and I wish that I could pray it away for you, but I can't. I can only pray that as our Jesus prepares to open His arms and embrace His precious child you will find some comfort in the countless people at St. Philip's who are here for you. Michael, please do not hesitate to call me if I can be of help.

Deacon Joanna

Kind words

Charlotte sent a Facebook post to let people know the "latest".

My Dear Sweet Sister,

I have been reflecting on my life since I met you and your amazing family. As in the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" I look at what I would  have missed if I had not met you. You truly touched many lives and everyone who has met you is better off for knowing you and your family. I know I won't get to be with you again until I make my journey home. I will be looking for you always. You are the my best friend, so I will be talking to you daily as I do now. Love you always

Pam

Dear Brother in Christ,

I cannot imagine the pain that you must be feeling at this time, and I wish that I could pray it away for you, but I can't. I can only pray that as our Jesus prepares to open His arms and embrace His precious child you will find some comfort in the countless people at St. Philip's who are here for you. Michael, please do not hesitate to call me if I can be of help.

Deacon Joanna

Deputy "Dog"

I installed a "Baby" monitor between the guest room and Gisela. Around 2am today, "Boxing Day" to you Brits or ex Brits!, I saw that Shakira the on-duty nurse needed help.
Between us (with Shakira doing the bulk of the work!) we gave her a new nappy or diapered.!
She is now resting but I am WIDE-AWAKE!
Hence the blog insert!
I talked , via "Skype", to her brother who is in Thailand.
Like the whole family he is distort with the deterioration of Gisele!
We have NOT given up "HOPE" but the odds do not look good.

Clean as a "New Pin"

Today was a busy day; first Nicole, Oliver and the girls came to bring Opa his Christmas gift----a gingerbread Latte from Starbucks. Then Brent came with a bottle of single malt whiskey. Next his wife with two types of Christmas cookies. Katie and "the boys" called from baton Rouge .Then Pam Chandonia arrived with cookies she had made from Omi 1's recipe.
The three ladies gave GSB a great "Blanket Bath". We changed her "knickers" and her bed linen.
She is now resting easily.
Delta ,First Officer Barron, called from the "Big Apple". He will be flying between LGA and BOS until he "dead-heads" home  Saturday.

.

CHRISTmas eve-----a doting son comes to call

Gisela did fall asleep in her "new" bed around 7pm. I ate some soup. Skyped with Gene in Thailand and went to bed about 8:30pm.
I woke up at 10pm to find Ollie telling his "mum" how much he loved her.
I fed her some more medication and he helped her wash it down with water from a small sponge.
So the first night is underway.
I started to look back (again!) how many Christmas eves we have spent together.
When they were very young getting up about this same time to put each "pile" of presents under the tree.
Those early times with both my mother and Omi 1
I missed going to church for the "Candlelight" service. God had me involved a much more important "work" like Oliver telling Gisele how MUCH I love her.
Christmas day is approaching. We will proclaim the birth of our savior who came to save the world.
My simple prayer is to have as MANY days as possible with "My Beloved".
I know she has to "go" but..................

Looking back-------------------?

Because I am not sure how much time we have looking in the other direction!

GSB is going in the next couple of days to move from the hospital to 'hospice home CARE".

She will be here in the Tribute in a special bed but at least in her own home!

How long we have is like the proverbial piece of string! Hours will be great; days a real step in the right direction; weeks a cause for ecstatic jubilation and ANYTHING longer---PURE JOY!

The pain is still there and there is nothing more they can do in the hospital. They need the bed to try and save,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!

The hospice company will bring a special bed to the Colony.

A trained RN will help me for a couple of hours each day. 

We must all continue to pray for recovery.

But right now as the title says I am looking back at 42 1/2 years of "Wedded Bliss".

If I look at the almost half a century it is NOTHING but amazing:-

1. We have lived in four of the Continents.
2. Our "memory bank" of memories has more GBs than all my laptops together!
3. We have two wonderful sons who with their beautiful wives have given us five gorgeous grandchildren and two more are "on the way"
4. We have homes and friends in three of those Continents.

2015 will be the year we really remember as 2014 is the year we try to forget

Opa and Ollie visit

My beloved is still in the hospital so Ollie and I came to visit. The new game plan is to wean her off of the morphine being fed intravenously and going back to pills orally.
There is still talk of 'Home Hospice but we are NOT sure what that means or entails.

A pilot came to call

Most of You are well aware that Michael has a second job at Delta Airlines.

He popped in this afternoon to visit his "mom".

GSB's "Oncology Team" have decided the following:-

1. Remain in Hospital over the weekend.
2. Go back home under " Hospice care" next week; NO more Chemo.
3. Reevaluate in a couple of weeks!!

Currently she has moved from "Oral "pain medication to a 2mg/ hr IV

She will remain in hospital until Monday, " Hospice" care will take over.

The Pain is too great

Oliver and Nicole organized for Gisela to be transported to Plano
Hospital earlier this evening. Oliver had been a  "surrogate" Opa while I was overnite in Los Angeles. The pain just became unbearable.
The hospital is right next door to the Oncology Clinic we go to and that Der.Stoke and Condi work out of.
This has been building up for nearly a week as she barely eats but takes some pretty strong medication.

A walk in the sun!

We bought a walker; the sort that after some steps you can rest! We did just that! Walked a little and rested. Please note my beloved is wearing her ankle-weights. Not too much " heavy-lifting" but it is the thought that counts.
We took advantage of a beautiful Fall/Winters day here in Texas. Temp low 60's lots of sunshine.

CHRISTmas time

At our church, St. Philips the Advent season is well under way. Last Thursday Molly, our youngest Granddaughter had her class pageant with the other classes in the sanctuary. "Omi" made it along with "Grandma Kreutz (Nicoles "Mum"), Big sister Lydia and proud parents and Opal.

Next morning Lydia had an assembly at her school; her class were Reindeer----- singing "Rudolf", of course.
Gisela sailed through GEMZAR 2, the second Chemo with the "new poison!"

Our Delta first officer just got back from Belize to the "Big Apple" on his way back to Fort Worth.
We will have two Christmas Days this year on the 28th with Katie and their sons (he is flying over the holiday!) and on the 25th with Oliver and Nicole and their girls.
Nicole has only 5 or 6 weeks before "Owen Daniel" is due.

Oliver keeps telling me "Think Positive"!

Oliver's and Michael's constant advice has been always to "Be STRONG" "Remember mum has been healed by the stripes of Jesus". I try. But like most mortals I fall short.

For the last two nights, fearing that she might fall I have returned to the "nuptial bed" instead of monitoring GSB from the Grandchildren room on the second floor with my new "Baby Monitor".
She has great difficulty walking. Falling is a major concern! All we would need on top of mesothelioma would be a broken hip! Hence my move back to "our bed".

Yesterday she did take a bath. A shadow of her former self sums it up for all our readers especially the young. For those of you of my age think back to those mid 40's BBC B&W videos after we "Won the War" and released people interned........................,,,

Today we started a new round of CHEMO.

The brand name is GEMZAR.

Prior to the infusion she weighed in at 110lbs. Refer back to 3 parkas above.

Her leg muscles have atrophied. I have bought some leg weights that may help but she has great difficulty in walking.

The biggest blow to me trying to emulate my sons and "Be strong" came as I just gave her some more pain medicine tucked her into bed she said :-

               " Opal please do not worry we have HAD a wonderful life"

A Body Blow

Today we took a "body-blow" ,below the belt! Mary Crowley had lead us to believe that Gisela would be an "acceptable" candidate for an experimental trial for Mesothelioma; sadly the detailed test results showed otherwise.

She has two (2) conditions that rule her ineligible:-

  1. The rheumatoid factor,
  2. A urine /bladder deficiency.

The reading required for Nos.1 is 13. GSB's was 450!!!!!

We are both DEVASTATED. Now what? At Mary Cowley a big fat ZERO.

Get the RF factor reduced by 427? Not sure what that means.

We meet with Dr..Skokie this Wednesday. More prayers , on the belief that when the door is closed the Lord will open another one in its place

A Doctors"Love"

Dr..David Park has been our Gastroenterologist since we moved from Illinois to Texas in 2002. Dr. Skokie suggested we contact him for his " expert " opinion on the last CT Scan findings.

When he walked ,this morning, into the Exam room at his rooms near the hospital he cried!
Powerful, to say the least!

He explained that the blockage in GSB's bile duct was causing the enlargement of her gall bladder.
He recommended an MRI to verify how bad that blockage was; early next week?

His testimony as we started to leave was so "Powerful". I paraphrase:_

                   "Gisela we are all on a journey. NONE of us knows how much more of the earthly            part we have to live ---could be this week (!) ;maybe this month (!!) possibly this    year.or maybe TEN more years. Enjoy your time NOW! Take the pain medicine. Eternity is ahead------NO MORE PAIN!

They hugged. Wow. So much for Doctors being non-emotional with their patients.

A BAD month or more!

It has been some time since I updated the blog.On October the 17th the Oncologist, Dr. C Stokoe, decided against the scheduled CHEMO as Gisela's kidneys were showing signs of " distress ".... ...She was given an fusion of IRON and medicine to help with the nausea. That was repeated another two times in the next week!
Then she had a CT Scan to check the Brain and the lower abdomen.
The ONLY good news was there was NO trace of Cancer in the Brain. However the "BAD NEWS" offset that.
The mesothelioma in her "Pleural Cavity" has GROWN! Her lymph nodes (in her chest ) have also become "activated". Her liver has three (3) spots on it and her Gall Bladder is extended---enlarged!
Tomorrow we go to Dr.David Park who has been our Gastroentilogist since we moved to Texas in 2002. Possibly the intense pain she has, which is CONSTANT, is caused by this "new" problem.
Gisela is so "upbeat" and although I do NOT have her physical pain the mental anguish is really getting me down.

Chemo 3

We are "old hands" at Chemo! The nursing staff , a wonderful nurse called Pam, ( how poignant when we think of two other great Pam's Leary and Chandonia ) does all the work. Gisela just sits there and her BIG Drip watches all the little drips enter her blood system.
The process is still the same since Chemo 1. "Flush" her out!; add anti nausea "stuff" added for obvious reasons; now prepared, run in the " Good Stuff ". Pure "platinum" --sort of.
bless her heart she did well. So well that after a visit to the " little girl's room " she nodded off.

Port 2

Several you inquired who the two people are? Well the lady was the RN Supervisor and the gentlemen the PA to the asset. surgeon; hence the magenta "Scrubs"

Anyone for PORT?

Gisela is now the proud owner of a "Port"? Unlike the after dinner drink or where a ship docks this port has been inserted above her right breast with a "connection" to the major vein in her neck!
The procedure to "insert" took less than 45min.
Hindsight is always 20:20 vision! We should have opted for this from Day 1.
The device is now UNDER her skin! Any future CHEMO session or IV drip will be so much easier for both Gisela and the administering RN.
As you can see (I hope!) from the photograph the device has three (3) knobs that the RN can "feel"
and then insert a special needle into the "centre" of the 3 knobs.

Celebration Time

We decided to join "Ollie" and "Les Girls" ( Nicole, Lydia and Molly) at the "seaside"; Galveston ,Texas.
The weather was excellent but the FISH were even better!
If you go "Gaido's" or "Fishermans Wharf" are two of the finest restaurants to enjoy seafood.

GREAT NEWS!!

Dr. Stokoe draws a sketch of what the latest CT scan on August 13th showed he then added the most wonderful words

" The mesothelioma in your pleural cavity has REDUCED in thickness"

Both Gisela and I said " Thank-you Lord Jesus"

 

He added that the next Chemo infusion  would be on August 26th. He would then meet with Gisela on September the 5th to decide what to "do" next.

All indication are that BECAUSE this combination of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin had "worked" further  sessions could be considered.

We wanted to HUG everybody in the clinic but settled on the Nurse who had supervised two of the Chemo treatments!

 

 

We are ecstatic!

We want to thank ALL of Prayer Warriors.

GOD IS GOOD.

 

Montreal

Montreal will always have a soft spot in both Gisele and my hearts. After all she was raised in the city and went from childhood to motherhood; Oliver was "made" on Nun's Island.
We have been back countless times over the last four decades but during each visit their are certain rituals that we go through. All are associated with FOOD!
There is the " The Blue House" ----------which is NOT blue! It serves  hot dogs or " steamy " as the locals call the "Hot Dogs" and greasy French fries washed down with cola.
Then there is "Chalet BBQ". There you order a " Two leg chicken dinner that comes with delicious coleslaw------------------- and you guessed it MORE greasy French fries.
Sunday Night over the ages and last night was no different Mireille makes Spaghetti with homemade tomato meat sauce. Garlic bread and salad.
Gisele ate all of that

Afterwards CAKE!

World Cup 2014

As most of you know Gisela was born in Germany. In the spa resort Baden Baden. Over the years both Oliver and Michael ( the son!) became avid sports fans! If it was an International game / match they would support England ( for "Dad") or Germany (for "Mum").
When in 1986 we were all in Montreal for Omi 1's "80 th" the World Cup saw England v/s Argentina the infamous "Hand of God Goal" by Maradonna---England lost!
Since then we "all" have become American Citizens and our allegiance in the main has been to support the USA.
For this 2014 World Cup all three teams were "in". At the Group Level we were all three Barron men at the England game. SAD! Good game they lost; we had fun. Both England and the US went "home" BUT Germany thrashed Brazil and Dad and "Ollie" watched the FINAL against that same dreaded Argentina. No  Maradonna but Messi 4 times voted the Worlds Best Player leading them.
A truly great game
Gisela was at home. Oh by the way a little bruising but no other ill effects from Chemo 2

.

Chemo 2

Here sits my beloved starting the fourth hour!

She is listening to Christy Lane 

From a Friend of Oliver's

Mrs. B, my company just celebrated 10 years a couple weeks ago. I visited you in DFW in 2004 a month after we started the joint. I had no income, was being sued, and was stressed out. You picked me up from the airport and on the ride you had the kindest most uplifting words for me about my ability to make it happen. I still think about those words today to get me thru a tough spot. Thank you for believing in my ability more than me and for your faith. I love you lady and have a peacefulness that everything is going to be OK, just like you thought everything would be OK for me in 2004.

Ryan Paquette

From a Canadian Friend

From: Marielle Regnier
To: Gisela Barron

Dear Gisela, 

You have chemo to stop the cancer from spreading and to shrink the tumor.  Chemo prevents cell from growing and multiplying and spreading to other parts of the body. Most people do not have reaction to chemo, as you are given prior to treatment some drug to prevent nausea and allergic reactions, you will feel tired in a few days, this is normal, then your body will pick up again. They will take a blood test in 3 weeks before your next chemo to make sure your white blood count is high enough. Keep positive and in your mind see this chemo killing your cancer, you will make it Gisela, it is a long road, it is a temporary thing, it is a small price to pay for all the good it can accomplish. I will be starting a support group for cancer patients, at the Jewish Hospital, I was asked to do this for our French patients, I hope I will be good, so if you need anything or have questions I will be happy to answer you and get the right advice. 
 
You can call me anytime should you worry about something. Keep well and a big hug.

Marielle 

From a friend in Illinois

From: Gloria Paquette

She looks very brave. It is a positive attitude to be smiling when facing chemo for the first time. I will pray for her strength, faith, and endurance through Christ; for the the mercy of God in tempering all adversity, and for her solace in the comforting of the Holy Spirit.

24 hours later

Amazing!
24 hours ago, almost to the minute, Gisela finished a FIVE (5) hour  Chemotherapy"Infusion". Here she is out with Nicole, Oliver's wife, and our two granddaughters Lydia, in the foreground and Molly.
God IS good. Thank you Jesus.

Chemo 1

Gisela did well! The 5 hour "Infusion" was exactly that. A " cocktail" of the two (2) CHEMO drugs mentioned earlier in the blog and other medications for nausea et al. She's home and resting now. Let us hope and pray that the next 24 hours will be AOK

UT / SW "Wrap-up"

Gisela and I met with Dr. "Leah" Tan this afternoon at UT / SW. Dr. Tan "assisted" Dr. Kernstine when he operated last week. She shared with us the pathology report. It had mixed  results / blessings?

As we heard after the procedure the cancer HAS penetrated the diaphragm----that's the BAD news!
On a brighter note the analysis of the "Organ Wash" (Periodontal, I think!) showed NO mesothelioma cells. The LORD be praised.

Dr. Tan stressed to Gisela that SHE MUST BE STRONG!. Should eat well, exercise and be mentally READY. She repeated ,what had been said before, that her number ONE "Cheering Squad" must be HER herself. She told me "Continue your support role and NAG if required!".

Gisela "witnessed"to Dr. Tan about her FAITH in the Lord Jesus. " I am healed  (by his stripes)" she said. " His Holy spirit is --working-- to heal me" she added.

 We are NOT sure if Dr. Tan is a Christian or not but her reply "We are only here to help mere mortals NOT God". Made us believe she is.

They "hugged".

So Friday we start "chemo". Next posting will be from Plano Oncology Infusion Centre".

P.S     I made Dr. Tan laugh when I told her that the Infusion Centre was like "IHOP" with the   booths  serving "stuff" not pancakes or bacon and eggs!

Bad handwriting?

Doctors handwriting is some times ineligible!
The "Cocktail" for next Friday, for those that would like the CORRECT details ,is ALIMTA or Pemetrexed and PLATINOL or CISPLATIN

NEW " Game Plan"

Chemotherapy starts NEXT Friday. Gisela will go to Plano, Oncology for her FIRST "chemo cocktail"
Dr. Kernstine and Dr. Stokoe have "agreed" on a "blend" of "Altima" and "CIS Platin".
The Centre is NOT (in my opinion) very user Friendly. Each booth is not unlike IHOP!
Love
A Doting Husband

From: Karen Palmer
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2014

Hello Michael and Gisela,

Bless your hearts and God bless Gisela and your whole family.  I am so sad about the news of no surgery or radiation, but we will hold fast to the HOPE that the chemotherapy will be the treatment which will really help.  I know it will be challenging,, but Gisela is a very tough trooper, and her will to win is very strong.  I am asking God to send his angels and his Holy Spirit to minister to Gisela and to all of your family.  I love you, Barrons.  I wish I could take away the fears and pain.

Ultimately, LOVE is the most powerful force in God's universe.  Fear will be overwhelmed by LOVE.  Gisela will be so blessed by the concrete knowledge of how many people truly love her--especially her family members.  She has been so blessed to have a husband who has loved her so faithfully and incredibly putting her on the highest pedestal and supplying not just her needs, but also her wishes!  Her two sons know that she is the best mom, the best cook, and that she  and their dad brought them up right to be the fine husbands and fathers they are today. Two fine daughters in law are the daughters you both have always wished for.  And about those beautiful little grandchildren--they will be such a fountain of love and joy and strength for Gisela now and in the future. Thank you, Barrons for lifting my spirit when I was sinking in my own messed up life.  You really helped me a lot.  I'll never forget the beautiful Sunday night dinners including Omi #1, wonderful barbecue, going to restaurants, and traveling to Montreal.  You always treated me like a valued family member, and you helped repair me when I was so broken. You all held me in higher regard than I was able to see myself.  Thank you a thousand times!  Now, I have experienced the lowest of times, and I am hoping (now that I am doing well on my own) to be able to offer strength and positive encouragement. I look forward to an opportunity to visit when the time is right.  God bless you all!  Love, Karen 

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.  … Hold fast

to what is good." --1 THESSALONIANS 1:16-17

" CHEMO"

This Friday @ 8: 45 am CST we will move into the chemotherapy phase of "My Big Fight". Gisela's Oncologist , an "Ex-Brit" like myself, is currently in England on ( a well earned!) vacation. Not only did he talk to Dr. Kernstine at 1 am in the morning but followed that up by talking to his Assistant Susan a few hours later. She will outline the " Game Plan" to Gisela and me at the end of this week.
God is GREAT! Thank-you Lord ,today we will be happy.

The "Morning After"

In a way I was dreading going to the hospital! However any fears I had were allayed---Thank you Jesus! Gisela was "UPBEAT", looked good and was eating--Thank you Jesus!

Sad,Sad news!

It  took Dr. Kernstine only two (2) small incursions into Gisela's "Belly" --medical term I am told---and 15 or 20 minutes of exploratory camera study to confirm that the cancer had penetrated the diaphragm. This precludes ANY SURGERY! Sad,sad day.
He told me that radiation is NOT possible and that we should start chemotherapy immediately.
He added that my (OUR!!) role must be to keep Gisela focused and as Up beat as possible.

Dinner with my dear friend

I so enjoyed Gisela joining me and my family for dinner last Saturday evening.  Especially since she ate like I've never seen her eat in the last several weeks. She had steak, green beans, asparagus, jello salad with fruit, some angel food cake and a beer to top it off.  So proud of her.

Great time visiting and watching the Belmont Stakes, even though our pick didn't win.  Still a great horse story with California Chrome.

My prayers for the results this Tuesday and the last procedure to decide the go forward recovery process.

My love to you Gisela.

Janece

ONE more test!

The meeting with Dr. Kernstine DID take place as planned about 2 hours ago. He was very professional and explained that ALL the previous tests had shown that the mesothelioma was in SEVERAL areas around the right lung. The esophagus and trachea tests BOTH confirmed that cancer was present in at least ONE lymph node in or around the sternum.
He told us that there were two choices. Namely:-

A) Take a FINAL test or

B) Start a 15 -  20 week combination of Chemo Therapy and Radiation.

Gisela said "OK ONE more test, then what?" The Dr. explained that under a General Anesthetic he would "explore" to see if the cancer had penetrated her diaphragm and "infected" other "organs" / "areas". The analysis would  of the "results" would take 5-6 days. If it HAD penetrated then FURTHER surgery would NOT be an option.

Thinking "positively" he said that IF the cancer had ONLY reached the diaphragm but NOT gone further he would schedule a MAJOR operation to "clean-out" ALL the infected areas within a week to 10 days. He stressed that this surgery would take between 6 and 7 hours and would be VERY PAINFUL"!

My bride did NOT hesitate--------------" GO FOR IT!---------------------- "Please" she added.
So the FINAL test could be THIS Friday or NEXT Tuesday.

An 11th Hour Delay

Today was supposed to be "Decision Day". No such luck! It appears that the pathological report and associated slides from last Fridays EGD are NOT ready. So now another period of "waiting" starts. The new date is 12 noon on June 2. That gives our "Prayer Warriors" another FIVE days to do their "thing"-PRAY.

We are ready for Wednesday!

Friday May 23rd was a much, much better day. This test was down the "gut" as opposed to Wednesday which was down the "windpipe". The provisional results were POSITIVE---"Praise the Lord". The EGD ( esophagus, gastro duodenal-oscopy!) was CLEAN.
Dr. Sree could "see" the mesothelioma. BUT it was NOT anywhere in the EGD area.
We a thankful that the "Stripes of JESUS" have restricted that cancer to, it seems ONLY,one location.

Dear Friends

This was NOT the test result we had hoped for! It is great that FIVE of the thoracic lymph nodes are “clean” BUT the Two & Half that are NOT, precludes the major operation to rid the chest cavity of the cancer.

We will meet with the surgeon NEXT Wednesday afternoon to see IF he has a PLAN “B”.

Then the Oncologist next Friday for the chemo approach.

God is NOT finished with her yet

Kind Regards

Michael

Our prayers have been answered! Gisela got a call about an hour ago saying that the second IMPORTANT test required, PRIOR to a decision to operate, has been set for this coming Friday.
So we have an Endoscopic Bronchial Ultrasound with Dr.Chiu this Wednesday, May21st and an EGD set for 12:39pm on the 23rd. This means that by Wednesday the 28th Dr. Kernstine will have ALL the Data he needs to decide.............................Healed by the Blood and Stripes of JESUS we know the answer is GO!!

From: Janet Hannam
Sent: ‎Saturday‎, ‎May‎ ‎17‎, ‎2014 ‎5‎:‎25‎ ‎PM
To: Undisclosed Recipients

Boomer Friends,

 

Some of you may know that our sweet Boomer friend, Gisela Barron, has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma.   Gisela asked me to relay the following message to you that she is “having a procedure next Wednesday to check whether the cancer has spread out of the pleural cavity and then a further test to check if there is cancer in her esophagus, if not, then she will be having surgery.”  

 

Gisela asks specifically please, for your prayers that God will give the surgeon and the medical team the knowledge that the operation might happen.   Please join us in praying for courage, strength and comfort for Gisela and Michael and their family as they take one day at a time.

 

God’s Peace, 

Janet

Today was another step forward. After the lymph node test next week they will check her esophagus for that dreaded disease to have invaded another part of her body.
It is planned that on the PM of the 28th of May we will know for sure if they plan to operate.\
We HOPE they say "'YES"

Today was a busy one at UT / SW. First a V/Q can then conventional x-rays finally a review of the original MRI and the latest tests.

The V / Q uses scintigraphy and nuclear isotopes to measure the airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) of her lungs. No surprise the “bad/ infected” lung is ONLY providing 30% of her airflow. The “GOOD” lung is giving 70%.

Dr. Chiu showed us using all of the various images how the LAST concern is IF the mesothelioma has “infected” any of the lymph nodes. From the MRI it appears not. However he will perform the NEXT test to verify one way or another.

Using the small camera and associated scalpel, we talked about before, he will via the trachea lift each node look at it and if required take a biopsy. He expects the procedure scheduled for next Wednesday at 10 am to last about an hour.

Analysis by the pathologists will take a couple of days.

So with Memorial Monday ,and Tuesday being an off day ,it will not be until the afternoon of May 28th that we will know the final verdict of weather they will operate.


-Michael Barron

The results of Gisela's MRI prove sufficient for her to proceed with the additional tests which determine if she is a good candidate for the "big" surgery.  Most of the testing will be accomplished this week...most of it relatively routine.  2 more complicated tests will be scheduled for next week (hopefully), one of which will require a brief hospital stay. 

Gisela on the treadmill today at UT Southwest Med Ctr.

From: Birgit Siber
Date: May 3, 2014
To: Gisela Barron
Subject: Re: News

Dear Gisela,
I am so sorry that you have to deal with this and can only imagine how
difficult this for you and your family.  You sound very brave, strong and
motivated.   I have forwarded your email to George who is in China but
within range as I just received an email from him.

Have you heard of Hippocrates in Florida (http://hippocratesinst.org).  A
friend of mine with her cancer in remission had the opportunity to go
there recently.  There were many people with pretty serious health issues
(mostly cancer) who go there and do their health diet. They have an
excellent reputation.

I will relay your greetings to Mutti.  She will be turning 90 on May 13!
Perhaps you would like to call her if you have a chance around that time.
Her home number is -------------.  George and family will all be up here
just after her birthday a few days later and  through the following
weekend.

Thank you for getting in touch with me.  You are in my thoughts and
prayers, Please stay in touch.
Birgit

Birgit Siber

My Friend

Gisela,  wishing you a happy and uplifting day.  Be strong and know God is on your side.

My love dear,
Janece

Happy Birthday, Omi! 
We love you! 
Love, Oliver, Nicole, Lydia and Molly

Gisela spent two sessions in the Magnetic Resonance imaging machine, MRI , The first one lasted 45 mins; the second 17. Those off you that have NOT had an MRI cannot imagine the "noise" that is created as the machine goes through its paces; and they forgo to give her ear-plugs!
Sitting outside I joined the ranks of "Selfie Takers".
The results should be made public either late Wednesday or early Thursday. We are praying that she passes this" hurdle" and moves on to the next stage-----------------exploratory surgery as detailed earlier in the blog.

Doting husband outside Plano Medical Centre MRI 2.

Dear Family and Friends,

Today the "Roller-Coaster" reached even more lows!

Yesterday we met with the Oncologist Dr. Stokoe. He shared with us the report of our Monday meeting with the two UT/SW Surgeons. The medical terminology was not possible for us "lay" people to follow but the "Game Plan" was clear. We must establish a "Datum" by having a Chest MRI.

We told Dr.S that we had told Portia, Dr K's RN on the 22nd (the day AFTER me met him) that we wanted to have the Chest MRI at Plano Medical; because of "insurance" reasons. She said "OK. I'll send Dr.Stokoe a fax" which he got and in turn told us he had forwarded to "Greg" the scheduler. "I'll have Kathy , my RN call you to confirm". Gisela got another HUG!

Today we decided that with no call we would just "drop-in". So we did. WOW!

First today was Kathy's "Off-Day"; hence no phone call. No problem the receptionist said "I'll call Greg he's the scheduler". Greg came and told us he had got word from Dr.S; he had CHECKED our insurance and had submitted the request to Plano Medical about an hour ago. He gave us their telephone number to call later. We waited ALL OF FIVE MINUTES and called!!

Walt said to Gisela " Yes I got the request, let me check with my supervisor......" " Sorry he /she just told me THERE IS NO POINT IN DOING A CHEST MRI it would NOT show anything?

Dumfounded we returned TO THAT place; the Oncology Centre. They called Stacey and Michael explained (as only Michael CAN!) in GREAT detail; what had happened since Monday at UT/SW until TODAY. Stacey said," leave it with me, I'll call you back"

The MRI scheduler duly called us back. Initially there was some "problem "---------------this is the polite version for general / public consumption!!!

Bottom line Gisela has a May 1st appointment for a Chest MRI.

Praise the LORD!

From: Brad Deaton
Date: April 22, 2014 at 10:44:07 CDT
To: Michael Barron, Gisela Barron
Subject: RE: Latest entry for Gisela's "My Big Fight" blog


Wow Michael, I didn’t know you were under some health challenges with Gisela. Thanks for the update. I am very happy you can be there with her. Please keep me in the loop; I am praying for you both.
Brad.

From: Frank Forcino
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 8:05 AM
To: Michael Barron


Mike

Read it last night. Sorry for your issues. Hopefully you got this early.

My good friend had a situation with his wife and flew her every other week to MD ANDERSON Hospital in Texas. One of the best.

Best of Luck

Frank Forcino

From: Cindy Woerner
Date: April 22, 2014
To: Michael Barron, Gisela Barron
Subject: Gisela's blog

Hi Michael,

I read the blog today that gives a wonderfully thorough account of the latest news regarding Gisela's condition. Other than hearing they made a terrible mistake and Gisela has no cancer at all, the news does sound more positive than I expected to hear. I hope I didn't get it wrong, because it appears they have a plan to manage the disease. I pray that is the case.

Please put me on the email list to hear the treatment news, if Gisela will approve that.
I am praying daily for Gisela's recovery and for you and the family to have the support and strength you need to cope through the recovery process ahead.

Love to All,
Cindy

Dear Family and Friends,
Our "Focus" yesterday April 21st was ALWAYS going to be the 2pm appointment with Dr.Kernstine.
At the exact hour we were both sitting in Room # 1; a good "omen"? We remarked to each other about ".....being on time"! However the first knock was from "Tommy" his RN. This buxom, Texan born nurse then clarified several of the entries in GSB's 7 page "Health" questionnaire and to inform us that another 'Board Sanctified Surgeon", would be assisting Dr,K; she added he was of Greek ancestry.
 So this next "visitor" turned out to be the "Adonis". Slim youthful with jet black hair ,which matched his eyes------Gisela noted ( she's not that sick I thought!)
He also had the questionnaire in hand , repeated similar questions as the RN and then questioned a couple of other replies GSB had made. At 2:45pm Dr.K arrived.
His "bedside" manner put us both at ease as he gently told us what he thought the road ahead would bring.
First he clarified that Gisela has Mesothelioma! A form of cancer but NOT Lung Cancer. He explained how the dreaded disease lays dormant. He asked her " How long do you think you have had this condition?". "Several months" she replied? His retort to her reply made us both gasp

                               " TRY THIRTY YEARS " he said.

He then outlined the plan of action both medically and philosophically Taking the second first he recommended:-
1. Setting up a three ring binder with 4 Sections-----"Your Engineer husband can help with this" he added. The FOUR are:-
                                  A.) An exercise plan that MUST be structured. GSB asked if she could "do-it" at our gym? " Preferably here at the Cancer Centre. under the supervision of the Physical Therapy Dept.. THREE days a week" he replied.

                                  B.) A dietary plan to "build-up" your strength. "Cancer HATES muscle " ! he added.
                                  C.) The third section should consist of ALL the information we could gather on Mesothelioma.
                                  Section D) should be a journal of Doctors visits, notes and  test results.
2. The establishment of a Web Site connection (DONE!) to the hospital. NO communication will be by email.

Medically he will complete with the other Physician's help the analysis of ALL the DATA accumulated over the last several weeks. He then "shared " the THREE step approach they would probably take medically.

STEP 1. A small incision into GSB and the insertion of a miniature camera for a complete reconnoiter of BOTH her lung cavities. The results would be shared with the "Team".
STEP 2.  Another small insertion but this time with the objective of taking small "sections" for biopsy analysis.
STEP 3. Assuming the pathological reports are "A GO" the fully fledged operation.

This would be a MAJOR event lasting 5 or 6 hours. He stressed that it would be "painful" post operation.

He ended by telling Gisela to await the hospital's timetable. Told her to build-up her "STRENGTH". They hugged. Wow

Christ died on the cross not only so that we could have eternal life, but for our healing as well.  Gisela, we will continue to pray and believe for the full manifestation of healing in your body.  God is bigger than cancer!  Love you so much...Nicole, Oliver, Lydia and Molly

Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Continuing the Fight!

Dear Family and Friends,
I am torn between quotes from two of the men I have most admired in my lifetime; rapidly approaching three-quarters of a century! Paraphrasing them both:-

Winston Churchill ended a stirring speech with the immortal words

                     "...........we will NEVER give in"

Many decades later Vince Lombardi , the coach of the green Bay Packers said;-

" Winning is NOT the important thing------it is the ONLY thing"

So it is with my beloved's Cancer.

Each minute it seems, almost hourly and certainly DAILY there appears another "hurdle" to overcome; another "challenge" to face and more mental anguish to endure. With the help of the good Lord and a support group of immediate Family and Friends ---really "Dear Friends"--- we are, as that great hymn states:-

                                         MARCHING on to VICTORY

Yesterday, April 16th, the "Roller-Coaster Ride " reached both the "UPS" AND THE "DOWNS".

Forgetting the latter we now have an appointment next Monday at 1pm at UT- South West. I personally delivered nearly 300 pages of text and three (3) CDs to the Administration authorities. These will be reviewed before the meeting.

On a brighter note last night we celebrated "The Passover" with Beef Stew ; courtesy of "The Friends of St. Philips". This week-ends with "Foot-washing" tonight; "Stations of the Cross" on Friday and on Saturday all of our Grandchildren, except Drew ,will search the "Tribute" Children's play area for eggs. Sunday, of course we will all in our various churches enjoy
He is RISEN.

Love

Dad, Opa, Pop, Bro and Beloved Husband
Michael

My dear Gisela,

I have been so blessed to have you come into my life. I pray daily for God's will to bring you strength and healing.  He will guide you and Michael on this journey and we will all follow to support you.

My love to you and Michael,
Janece

Never give up!

Dear Gisela,
The west coast family members and friends are thinking about you daily and along with all the prayers, you are receiving Merit. That is powerful enough the get you over this bump on the road of life.
We love you,
Tana and Gene

Hello Family and Friends,
Per the request of Michael Barron (aka Opa, Dad, Pop, Bro), I'm posting the following email exchange between Gisela and myself (Nicole, her daughter-in-law). Today Gisela received an update re: the possible surgery at MD Anderson in Houston, to which I responded in writing with my initial reaction...to which she replied with so much faith and hope in her heart!!  You will be encouraged by Gisela's perspective in the last part of this email thread:

Subject: MD Anderson hospital
From: Gisela Barron
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2014
To: Nicole, Oliver

Dear Nicole and Oliver,
It turns out M.D. Anderson does not take our type of insurance, so we are devastated. We could get some other insurance, but they wouldn't be able to do anything until May. I called my Oncologist, Dr. Stokoe, spoke with his nurse and she is going to speak with him tonight and hopefully they will come up with another plan. She was very kind and will call me back tonight, if not - definitely tomorrow morning.
Love
Gisela/Mom

Subject: Re MD Anderson hospital
From: Nicole Barron
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2014
To: Gisela, Michael, Oliver

Hi Gisela,
I'm online doing some things and saw your email come in. I can't believe the issue is Insurance. I thought if anything it would be something having to do with your specific case and feasibility of the surgery working for you... I didn't think it would be an insurance issue. And I guess we have to assume the surgery and follow-up care is outrageously expensive if you pay out of pocket? Is that even remotely an option? It's probably so expensive that it's not realistic.
Well, I can't wait to hear what Dr. Stokoe says next... I was going to suggest we all meet for dinner at Chili's or something so we can distract you from this terrible news, but I bet you just want to wait by the phone for the doctor to call.
I understand why you and Michael feel devastated. I'm disappointed, too. But let's remember that God is bigger than this, and He's most definitely bigger than cancer. God is going to orchestrate the absolute best scenario for your healthcare and treatment. Maybe the surgery isn't it, so he closed the door. I don't know, of course... We will continue to pray that it doesn't grow and that God directs you to the best treatment plan for you. If the cancer heals and leaves from your body (by the stripes of Jesus!) than you don't need that surgery anyway! Why go through that invasive surgery and lose the tissue protecting your right lung if it's not necessary because God is healing you. Just trying to put another perspective on it...but I really do understand this was NOT the news we were praying and hoping for. I'm praying for your hearts to be encouraged and filled with hope... We do need Doctors and medicine, but ultimately we rely on the Lord to take care of you, and we can lean on Him for our hope.
Love you,
Nicole

Subject: Re MD Anderson hospital
From: Gisela Barron
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2014
To: Nicole

Dear Nicole,
Thank you for your uplifting e mail. You are so good, it means so much to me. I feel better, I know the devil is trying to make me doubt, but it won't work. Maybe I am meant not to have the operation for whatever reason. Possibly chemo is the way for me. Kathy, Dr. Stokoe's nurse, will speak to him tonight and then call me tonight, or definitely tomorrow morning to see what we will do. I do believe I will be healed, by the stripes of Jesus and I will keep up my fight.
Have a good evening, perhaps I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Love
Gisela

Dear Family,

So now we “know”.

We entered the “North Dallas Clinic” with some fear and trepidation………………… .except for “Ollie” whose “Open Line” to the Lord WILL constantly be an inspiration to us all. The “baldheaded” patients DID have an initial “Oops impact” on, especially Gisela. However after vitals, etc. and our time with all the nurses et al, and especially Dr Stokie ,she felt much better.

Dr. Stokie is ALL he is “billed about”; AND THEN SOME.

Slowly and very methodically he explained where we are “at”. (Bad English). At NO time did he look BACK to the when or what or why. His theme was really simple -

                                         STOP THE GROWTH!

He shared with us that he had contacted the M D Anderson Center in Houston who have developed a radical surgical operation to REMOVE the cancerous part. He had talked with Doctors Glisson and Tsao, both ladies, who perform and have perfected the procedure about Gisela Barron and her “situation” and in his opinion this fit heathy looking “young” woman could be “eligible. He gave us the contact info and suggested to reach them ASAP. Copies of the TTD list attached (below).  Sorry it's faint (blue) - couldn't find a black pen!! 

After questioning (that’s the Devil in us!) about what if Gisela was found not be a candidate for this “delicate” operation, provided ONLY in Houston?

He replied then he would take back the “care” and every three (3) months give Gisela a “cocktail of “medicine” prior to Radiation as part of the chemotherapy.

We celebrated (Sorry Gene,Tana and Mireille!) at the Macaroni Grill”.

As both Oliver and Michael were with Gisela and me the whole time if there any errors in the above just “edit” and reissue to all.

GOD IS GOOD! I am truly blessed with a strong, beautiful WIFE who will lead her husband of 41 years next month, her two GREAT sons, their adorable and oh so level headed wives (our “daughters”) and the best Grandchildren in the UNIVERSE!; along with a loving caring brother to WIN

                                                 My Big Fight

GO TEAM

Love,

Michael, Dad, Opa, Pop, and Bro