(Minghui.org) I am 78 years old this year and I am a survivor of parotid gland cancer, which is cancer of the salivary gland.

I began to struggle with many health issues in my 40s, such as low blood pressure, heart disease, stomach problems, and kidney disease. When I was 47, my cheek was swollen and I was always thirsty. After being examined many times at the hospital, I was diagnosed with parotid gland cancer.

I was sad and feeling desperate. I knew two people with the same illness who died despite being treated. With two children to support, one in high school and one in middle school, I couldn’t afford the treatment. I tried some qigong practice and other alternative treatments, but to no avail.

A neighbor recommended Falun Dafa to me in April 1996. I borrowed a copy of Zhuan Falun Volume II and finished reading it in one night. I went to a Falun Dafa practice site the next day and watched the Falun Dafa lectures by its founder Master Li.

After watching the lectures for a few days, I quit my smoking habit of 38 years without any struggle. It was like Master said: “When you smoke a cigarette again, it will not taste right.” (Lecture Seven, Zhuan Falun) I had tried to quit before may times with no success. This time, I easily quit after watching the video for a few days. How amazing!

By studying the Fa and practicing the exercises, I understood principles that I never knew before. I learned that the characteristics of the universe are Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Cultivators abide by these principles. The purpose of life is to return to one’s true self. One has to endure hardships to eliminate karma.

I used to have a short temper and was very competitive. I would fight with anyone who upset me. I was self-centered and unknowingly hurt many people. Now that I was practicing Falun Dafa, I knew I had to change.

Three months after I took up Dafa, I went through an intense body purification. I had a fever for 30 days and was fragile. One day when I was half asleep, I saw two glands appearing in front of me. They were covered with abnormal growth that looked like cauliflower. I heard a voice say, “Look, look!” Then, two normal-shaped glands appeared. I realized Master gave me brand new parotid glands!

From that day forth, I no longer had a fever, back pain, or stomach problems. All my cancer symptoms were gone! My energy returned and my appetite improved. I gained 20 pounds. I was able to do household chores as well as some fieldwork.

My husband and my children all support me in practicing Falun Dafa. Many of my coworkers were so happy to see me return to work, and they were amazed that I not only survived the cancer but also became healthier than ever.