‘Top Chef’ Shirley Chung Reveals Shocking Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung shared the shocking news with fans that she has stage 4 tongue cancer. She shared the news on social media and included a video of her shaving her head. Along with the video, she shared photos of the process. Her husband also shaved his head to match her and offer support. Keep reading to find out more about her devastating news.
Top Chef finalist, Shirley Chung Diagnosed With Cancer
Top Chef star Shirley Chung went to Instagram to share her news with fans. She was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer in May.
She began by saying, “Since last year December, I had 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. 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.”
Shirley went on to share that she was calm when the doctors told her the news. Her focus was on getting the tests done as soon as possible so treatment could begin.
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She’s Going Through Treatment
Top Chef Shirley Chung is going through treatment. When the doctors discussed her options she had the choice to either remove her tongue or try a treatment in Chicago that was referred to as a “unicorn case.” The person who ironically was also a chef was cured through radiation and chemotherapy.
Chung who is also known as “The Dumpling Queen of Los Angeles,” is determined to fight and to win her battle with cancer.
She said, “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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It took Shirley a while to learn that it’s okay to not be okay. She is strong most of the time but has moments when she does need to lean on others. This is the first time she has publicly spoken about her diagnosis. Prior to this announcement, only close family and friends knew.
She will continue to undergo chemotherapy in Chicago for quite some time. The tumor has shrunk some with the treatment she has received so far.
Because of her diagnosis, they have also made the difficult decision to close their restaurant. Their final day in business will be August 4.
Shirley vowed to come back in 2025 better than ever.
What do you think of Shirley’s shocking diagnosis?
Stay tuned for more updates.
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