Turning Cancer Into My Missio

I am a gynecologist and have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for more than twenty-two years.

Over these years, this practice transformed my understanding of life, suffering, courage, and purpose.

But one moment changed my life more deeply than I could have imagined.

Last November, the news of Ikeda Sensei’s passing left me emotionally shattered.

I felt an emptiness that words cannot fully describe.

Yet amidst that grief, I made a solemn promise to Sensei:

That I would devote my life completely to kosen-rufu and become his true disciple.

I had no idea how immediately that determination would be tested.

When Obstacles Appeared All At Once

Very soon afterward, I was diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer.

For a brief moment, I froze internally.

But strangely, I did not collapse.

One Gosho passage immediately came to my mind:

“Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear.”

(‘The Three Obstacles and Four Devils’, WND-1, 637)

I understood deeply that this challenge itself was part of my struggle in faith.

Another Gosho line became my foundation:

“Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.”

(‘The Good Medicine for All Ills’, WND-1, 937)

Rather than asking “Why me?”, I determined:

I would take complete responsibility for this karma.

I would become completely cancer free.

And I would show actual proof of the Law through my victory.

At that moment, my illness stopped being merely a medical condition — it became my mission.

Protection Appeared In Unexpected Ways

The recommended treatment plan was extremely intense.

It involved:

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

The expenses were overwhelming.

Immunotherapy alone would cost nearly ₹3 lakh every three weeks indefinitely.

Financially, it felt impossible.

Then something extraordinary happened.

During one consultation, my doctor mentioned that I was an ideal candidate for a newly launched international clinical trial.

The trial had just begun.

And if I enrolled:

The entire treatment would become free

All expenses would be covered

I felt as though the trial had opened specifically for me.

At that moment, I experienced immense gratitude.

I realized deeply that this illness was also functioning as “lessening karmic retribution.”

Even amidst uncertainty, I could clearly feel protection working in my life.

Five Months Of Relentless Struggle

The next five months were physically and emotionally exhausting.

Undergoing chemotherapy repeatedly was an intense battle.

There were moments filled with:

Anxiety

Fear

Pain

Unpredictable discomfort

But every time fear arose, I returned to:

Daimoku

Gosho study

Sensei’s guidance

Dialogue

I began visualizing something very powerfully during treatment.

I believed that the chemotherapy flowing through my veins was actually “myo” itself — erasing cancer cells and reviving my life.

That conviction transformed my entire attitude toward treatment.

Even during painful days, I tried not to complain.

Whenever someone asked me how I was doing, I could sincerely say:

“I am fine.”

To everyone around me, this composure seemed surprising.

But internally, I knew where my strength was coming from.

I realized that my greatest medicine was not only medical treatment — it was my life condition.

Advancing Kosen-rufu While Fighting Cancer

Throughout this entire period, I continued attending most Gakkai meetings.

I also continued conducting dialogues.

Sometimes those dialogues happened inside hospital corridors.

I spoke with:

Patients

Nurses

Doctors

During the March 16th Campaign, I introduced one New Friend.

Toward the May 3rd Campaign, I immersed myself in chanting and member encouragement.

I also joyfully participated in gift-making efforts.

As a result:

Many inactive members reconnected positively

May 3rd attendance increased by over 20 percent

At the same time, despite my treatment:

I continued consulting patients

I even performed a few surgeries

Of course, there were many difficult moments internally.

As a doctor, I fully understood the medical seriousness of my condition.

At times, my mind struggled with doubt and anxiety.

But one thing never changed:

I never doubted the Law.

Instead, every fear became an opportunity to deepen my faith further.

The Scan That Changed Everything

My prayer was very clear:

I wanted to completely overcome cancer and report victory by May 3rd.

I completed my final chemotherapy session just before the May 3rd meeting.

Then came the PET-CT scan.

I waited anxiously for the results.

And then I heard the words that changed everything:

All the lesions in my body had resolved.

Within six months of diagnosis, I was declared cancer free.

I cried tears of immense gratitude.

Even my doctors expressed tremendous optimism and joy about my recovery.

Presently, I continue medication to maintain my condition and remain cancer free.

Medically, my disease may still be classified as incurable.

But deep within my heart, I believe completely in these words from the Gosho:

“Because it [the Lotus Sutra] can cure what is thought to be incurable, it is called myo, or wonderful.”

(‘The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra’, WND-1, 149)

My recovery became undeniable proof that the power of life itself is far greater than fear.

Winning Together As A Family

Looking back, I know this victory was not mine alone.

My husband and daughter made this struggle their own.

They took complete responsibility for:

My treatment

My recovery

Daily responsibilities

Emotional support

We truly fought this battle together.

I also remain deeply grateful to:

My parents

My family

Friends

Comrades in faith

Their prayers and support carried me forward during the hardest moments.

A Line That Stayed With Me

“Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.”

Reflection

Sometimes life presents challenges so severe that they completely alter how we see ourselves.

Illness especially has the power to:

Expose fear

Challenge hope

Test faith

Question purpose

But Buddhism teaches that suffering itself can become the fuel for profound human revolution.

My journey taught me that courage does not mean never feeling anxious.

It means continuing to move forward with faith even while afraid.

And often, the deepest healing begins the moment we decide:

“I will transform this suffering into value for others.”

Key Takeaways

Faith can transform illness into a source of inner strength.

Challenges often become opportunities for profound human revolution.

Life condition deeply influences how we face suffering.

Support from family and community creates immense protection.

The “never be defeated” spirit awakens extraordinary courage.

Forward With Determination

Now, I feel it is my turn to repay my debt of gratitude to my mentor.

I vow to:

Report absolute victory through complete recovery

Live a long, healthy, and meaningful life

Advance kosen-rufu wholeheartedly toward 2030 and beyond

Continue encouraging people facing illness and despair

Above all, I determine to fulfill my mission as Sensei’s disciple and prove through my life the limitless power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Inspired by a published Buddhist experience and retold with commentary, reflection, and adapted storytelling.