Former Top Chef Stage 4 tongue cancer has been identified in Shirley Chung.
Chung, 47, shared the news on social media on Friday, July 26. She described how an oral surgeon discovered a “hidden tumor” behind her tongue in May, leading to the diagnosis.
“I’ve had a number of dental problems since December of last year. I bit my tongue a lot, cracked a tooth that needed to be out, and now I need an implant. We reasoned that it was because I grind my teeth a lot,” Chung, a finalist on the 2013 season of Top Chef, posted on Instagram.
After I developed mouth ulcers at the end of May, my oral surgeon found a hidden tumor beneath my tongue. I was given a stage 4 tongue cancer diagnosis a few days later since the cancer cells had also invaded my lymph nodes.
A video and other images of the reality TV actress chopping off her hair while her friends and family supported her were also included in the heartbreaking post.
Season 14 of the reality cooking show debuted in 2016, and Chung, who also competed in it, said that her time in the kitchen allowed her to absorb the surprising news in a more composed manner. “When the doctors told me the news, I was very calm,” the woman wrote. “As a cook, I always do well under duress. My whole concentration was on completing all of the scans and tests as quickly as possible.
Then Chung—also referred to as “The Dumpling Queen of Los Angeles”—explained how the seriousness of the issue dawned on her when, on June 2, she received a call from Dr. Allen Ho, the chief oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, regarding treatment options.
She added, “I broke down, crying, trying to gather my thoughts and ask questions, but I was physically unable to do so. All I heard was, ‘Option 1, surgery, 100% removal of your tongue.'”
Chung refused to have her tongue completely removed and thanked her spouse Jimmy for “holding it together for both of us.” Fortunately, the two learned of a University of Chicago “unicorn case” that used radiation and chemotherapy to heal a fellow chef.
Better chance of surviving, or hold my peace? I am a chef, a warrior, and I can be that unicorn too, therefore I decided to hold my mouth,” Chung wrote.
The executive chef of Ms. Chi Cafe in Culver City and co-owner of the restaurant, the chef also mentioned that she had just finished six weeks of chemotherapy “and have many more to go,” likening the ongoing treatment to a “full time job.”
Chung had extremely encouraging news: she can now “eat most normal food,” her speech has improved, and the tumor “is shrinking.”
The last lines of the post demonstrated her tenacity as well. “I am growing, 98% of the time I can be strong, and it’s okay to not feel okay. My road to recovery is going to be a difficult and lengthy one. I’ll get through this with your love and support,” Chung added. “Shirley Chung 2.0 will return in 2025—support me!”
Kind comments were left on Chung’s post by the culinary community and other Top culinary celebrities, who showed their support for her.
Gregory Gourdet, a former Top Chef contestant from seasons 12 and 17, remarked, “You are so strong and gorgeous.” You possess a fighter’s mentality. I’ll see you when you really kick this ass! I adore you!
Iron Chef star Alex Guarnaschelli also responded, “Sending you so much love.” Now is not the time to be a chef. Be someone who is okay with receiving affection and support. Everyone around you loves you. I’m sending you good thoughts. You are very brave to share with us.
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