Top Chef star Shirley Chung has bravely spoken out about the warning signs of cancer after doctors found a tumour in her mouth, admitting she ‘broke down’ as she was told her first option for treatment: the removal of her tongue.
Chung, 47, broke the news to fans in an emotional statement on Instagram, which was accompanied by footage of her shaving her head.
She has been diagnosed with stage four tongue cancer, saying the cancer cells have also spread to her lymph nodes.
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“I was very calm when doctors delivered the news, as a chef, I’ve always thrived under pressure. I was extremely focused on getting all the tests and scans as fast as possible, so I can start on the treatment plans,” Chung said.
However, the reality hit when her oncologist started running through her options for the next steps.
“Sunday June 2nd, Dr. Ho, my lead oncologist at Cedar Sinai called to discuss treatment plans,” Chung continued.
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“I broke down, crying, trying to put thoughts together and ask questions but physically couldn’t, all I heard was ‘option 1, surgery, 100% removal of your tongue’… Jimmy was holding it together for both of us, asking if we have any option that I can keep my tongue and the survival rates.
“’There is another option, which was a unicorn case, at University of Chicago, they cured a patient (a chef!) with radiation and chemo, but you will have to go to Chicago’.
“Higher survival rate, or keep my tongue? I chose to keep my tongue, I am a fighter, I am a chef, I can be that unicorn too.”
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Chung explained how concerns started back in December last year, having suffered a ‘series of dental issues’.
"I bit my tongue severely; I fractured my tooth and had to extract it and get an implant… we thought it was because I am a heavy teeth grinder,” she wrote.
“And I was too busy to see a EMT specialist. The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue.
“A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes.”
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She recently finished six weeks of chemotherapy, but still has ‘many more to go’, and is going to the hospital four times a week for injections.
"It’s like a full time job,” the chef said.
But there are signs of hope.
“My tumor is shrinking, my speech is much better and I can eat most normal food now,” she added.
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“I am learning to lean on others, to let go, to be more vulnerable... it took me 2 weeks of contemplating to decide to tell my parents about my cancer, only my close circle of friends and my sister have known until now.
“I am learning, I can be strong 98% of the time, it’s ok to be not ok. I have a tough long road to recovery in front of me.
"Your love and support will carry me through. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 will be reborn in 2025!”
Fans and fellow celebrity chefs rushed into the comments to share their support, with Food Netflix star Kardea Brown writing: "Can I just speak to the person you are… We met you the day before you received you treatment plan… but we had no clue about the battle you were fighting.
"You cooked for us that night and had the biggest smile on your face the entire time... Shirley that speaks volumes about your character!
"We are praying for you and thanking God in advance for remission and total healing! We love you."
Alex Guarnaschelli also told Chung: "Sending you so much love. Don't be a chef at this time. Be a person who's cool with getting support and love.
"You are loved all around you. Sending you positive vibes. Very brave of you to share with us."
Topics: Cancer, Health, Celebrity, Food and Drink
Jess Hardiman