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