Chef Shirley Chung has revealed on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with tongue cancer.
July 31, 2024- “Top Chef” alum Shirley Chung has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer.
What is Shirley from Top Chef Doing Now?
Chung shared the news on her Instagram page with a series of photos and videos of her shaving her head.
“Hi loves, I have some personal news to share with you. Since last year December, I had a series of dential issues, I bit my tongue severely; I fractured my tooths and had to extract it and get an implant… we thought it was because I am a heavy teeth grinder,” Chung wrote.
“And I was too busy to see an EMT specialist. The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumour under my tongue,” Chung continued.
“A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes. I was very calm when doctors delivered the news, as a chef, I’ve always thrive under pressure,” Chung said.
Chung explained that she was focused on getting the necessary tests and scans done as quickly as possible so she could begin her treatment.
On Sunday, June 2nd, Chung spoke with her lead oncologist, Dr. Ho, at Cedar Sinai to discuss treatment options.
Chung revealed that she was told that she could entirely remove her tongue, or travel to Chicago where doctors successfully treated a patient using radiation and chemotherapy.
Chung said she has chosen to keep her tongue and fight while being treated in Chicago.
“I’m a fighter, I’m a chef, and I believe I can be that unicorn too,” Chung said.
How Many Restaurants Does Shirley Chung Have?
According to Startup Grind, Chung was a finalist on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 11 and opened Ms. Chi Café in Culver City, CA.
Due to her cancer diagnosis, Chung announced that she will have to shut down operations at Ms. Chi Café so that she can focus on treatment.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: @chfshirleychung Instagram