Happy Birthday, Omi!
We love you!
Love, Oliver, Nicole, Lydia and Molly
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
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.
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
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
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
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
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.
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.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
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
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
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
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
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
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
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
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
Friday, April 4, 2014
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
Michael, Dad, Opa, Pop, and Bro
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