Liz Marneros has endured more than her fair share of misfortune.
Mere months before the devastation of the Christchurch earthquake, Liz was diagnosed with endometriosis and soon discovered, while visiting her doctor for a separate issue, she was also battling breast cancer.
Liz underwent a mastectomy three days before the 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Garden City in September 2010. But the 30-year-old has since been dealt another cruel blow.
Two rare benign tumours were discovered during Liz’s surgery. One was successfully removed but doctors decided not to remove the second as its location near her arm’s nerves mean it’s near impossible to operate on it without causing permanent damage.
“They tried to remove it when I had my mastectomy, but it didnt work. The tumour is sitting by the main nerves to the arm. It’s like the root of a tree.”
Liz says her husband’s unfailing love has been her saving grace.
Cleared of cancer and on medication to treat her endometriosis, Liz wasn’t worried about the remaining benign tumour until she started experiencing numbness in her left arm. She has now learned that if her condition worsens, she could lose the use of her limb entirely, and she’s fighting tirelessly to save it.
“I’m a hairdresser and a very creative person. I love arts and crafts. To lose the use of my arm would be extremely heartbreaking,” Liz explains.
“It would take away a whole spectrum of things; it would take away my independence.”
The condition is rare and there are limited options for treatment in New Zealand. Because of the position of the schwannoma tumour, it can’t be removed without affecting Liz’s mobility. One option is to travel overseas for treatment, so Liz and her family are trying to raise more than $120,000.
“We’ve discovered radiation as a possible solution. I had regular radiation to treat the cancer, but I didn’t want to continue with it as there is a risk of developing further cancers,” Liz explains. “I’m looking for specialists overseas and potential drug trials that will work to treat this. I want to give myself the best chance to do something about it, rather than waiting around for the tumour to get bigger and cause more damage.”
Michael and Liz recently renewed their vows in Vegas.
It’s a terrifying ordeal, but Liz is determinedly positive. She says the support and love of her husband has kept her strong. Liz married Michael (35) in an Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding in 2010 and last year the couple renewed their vows in Las Vegas.
“My health problems have been overwhelming, but I just have to realise that this is how life was supposed to happen for me, and I’ve got to cope.
“Michael is the most selfless, humble human being,” Liz continues. “We met when I was 25, healthy and adventurous.
He couldn’t have imagined the cancer, all the sickness over the years. It’s something that could wear you down, but he has been my main support and doesn’t look at me any differently.”
Liz is appealing to the public for help to save her left arm.
Liz is appealing to the public to back her campaign and hopefully help save her left arm.
“When you’ve been sick for such a long time, you wish you could take the pain away, if only because your loved ones have to witness it and go through it with you. They’re helpless to do anything about it.”
Michael says that no matter what happens – whether Liz succeeds in her treatment or ends up with an immobile arm and needs to give up her career – he will be there for her.
“I know that nothing is ever perfect,” he says, “but I try not to dwell on the hard times. Our friends and family have been really supportive, and that has helped immensely.”
Liz adds, “I don’t wish for a lot. I have a great husband, a nice house. I don’t need fancy things. I just want to experience life and feel okay.”
