Liza Cariola's Fight Against Cancer

Hello Family and Friends,

Our sister, Liza Cariola, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian cancer and after having had a hysterectomy, the only treatment option available to her is chemotherapy.  We are reaching out to you to ease the financial burden of her medical expenses not already covered by her health insurance.  With your generous donation, she will be able to pay for medical expenses associated with the surgery, the chemo treatments, and other lab work.  

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.  Kindly share this with all your friends and family and do send our beloved sister prayers and positive healing energy.

Sincerely,
Liza, Carol, Nory and Lea
The Cariola Sisters
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Beyond the “C”
(Liza Cariola's Cancer Story)

“I know beyond a doubt

My heart will lead me there soon

And we'll meet, I know we'll meet beyond the shore

We'll kiss just as before

Happy we'll be beyond the sea”

“Beyond the Sea”, the song that Bobby Darrin sang to Sandra Dee, has more significance to me now more than ever.  It brings me to my happy place where I feel I can dance when no one is looking. I titled my story, Beyond the “C,” and although it’s only the beginning of the journey, I know beyond a doubt, my heart will lead me to the day that I’ll beat cancer.

I have stage three ovarian cancer, a test of faith that I won’t fail.   That’s been my attitude since it all started. In November 2019 after 11 years of menopause, I started spotting and while it’s not unusual, nor alarming, I was guided to have it checked.  My gynecologist performed some tests that showed no sign of the “C” so I was not worried.  After a month, it was still happening, I was advised to see an Oncologist. More advanced testing didn’t show any sign of cancer but my CA125 was slightly elevated.  Nothing compared to a dear friend whose CA125 was beyond the chart and was diagnosed with benign tumor.  I was confident that mine would be benign going into the exploratory surgery.

The day of the surgery, I got up at 3:00 in the morning since I needed to check in at 5:30.  I got ready, prepared my things and prayed my Rosary.  As I touched the Virgin Mary’s hand to do a sign of the cross, I noticed that the light reflected her face and she looked like she was crying. I didn’t think anything of it. God had blessed me with a peace of mind that I cannot describe, nor the world may not understand. I was not worried. I surrendered everything to God and I know I will not be forsaken.

After the total hysterectomy, the doctors came in to tell me the diagnosis. Under the Grace of God, I accepted my fate without asking why.  I surrendered everything to God, remember? Despite the pain from surgery, I was determined to take little steps that night because now I had a new mission: to heal quickly so that I can have the strength for treatment.  Those small steps lead to exceeding every health check point I have to overcome to be discharged and five days later, I was released. So ensued, the decisions to make, the questions to ask, the pros and cons to evaluate, but when you’re divinely guided, God sends the people that I need for my journey. 

I have on my side, Carol, my eldest sister who is always there for emotional support regardless of the physical distance between us; my sister Nory and her family, who wholeheartedly and tirelessly took care of me before and after the first chemo; my sister Lea, who is my second set of ears and brain to ask the right questions and be informed before making big decisions.  Nory and Lea were better than UberEats and Doordash combined. The love, prayers, and positivity came flowing from my brothers, Dong and Ruel, who offered to take care of me; unconditional love from my nieces and nephews; fervent prayers, kind words and food galore from my Sisters in Christ in our Daly City Fatima group and Santo Nino group.

It’s also no coincidence that I am and will be connected to people who have gone through this same journey. I saw an ad giving away wigs and accessories free for chemo patients before I even had my first chemo. I reached out and really connected with this very nice lady named Jaci.  Kind words of encouragement from the “Doctor”, who was in the same ‘club’ that I now belong to.  Loved ones and friends who are/were also ‘club members’ offering encouragement and prayers. Even my landlord and her family along with their dog, Charlie, and cat, named Blue, has now adopted me and provides support. I am truly blessed that I am not alone in this journey.

I am humbled by this disease and have more respect for people who have gone through this or are going through this. Since there is no cure for cancer, my only treatment option is chemotherapy. With your financial help, I will be able to continue to pay for my health insurance to cover for some of the medical expenses associated with the surgery, the chemo treatment, lab work during and after the treatments. With the Grace of God, my journey continues and I hope that you can join me.

Under the Grace of God,
Liza