American TV chef Shirley Chung has revealed she is undergoing treatment for stage four tongue cancer.
Shirley, 37, who is best known for competing on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, told her 89,000 social media followers this morning of her diagnosis, which came after a series of dental issues in December.
Taking to Instagram yesterday, Shirley explained how she’s chosen to keep her tongue after doctors gave her treatment options and she ‘broke down crying’.
The first option was tongue removal – which would increase her chances of survival – or Shirley could follow in the footsteps of a ‘unicorn case’ in Chicago where a patient (who also happened to be a chef) was cured using radiation and chemotherapy.
Explaining the situation, Shirley wrote: ‘Hiiiii loves, I have some personal news to share with you.
‘Since last 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 an 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.
‘I was very calm when doctors delivered the new. 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.’
On June 2, Shirley’s lead oncologist at Cedar Sinai called to discuss treatment plans.
‘I broke down, crying, trying to put thoughts together and ask questions but physically couldn’t,’ Shirley remembered.
‘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”,’ the doctor told her.
‘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,’ she said.
‘I just finished 6 weeks of Chemo (and have many more to go), going to the hospital 4 times a week for injections, it’s like a full time job.
‘My tumor is shrinking, my speech is much better and I can eat most normal food now. 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 not be 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!’
Alongside her message, Shirley posted a video of her hair being shaved off.
‘F**k, wow,’ she said, as the first strip of hair fell off the blade.
‘What kind of egg do I look like, a duck egg? Goose egg? Chicken egg? Oh my god,’ she said, looking into the mirror and pointing at her head.
‘It’s kind of sexy,’ she added, as those around her agreed.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
Tongue cancer symptoms
- a red or white patch on the tongue that won’t go away
- a sore throat that doesn’t go away
- a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn’t go away
- pain when swallowing
- numbness in the mouth that won’t go away
- pain or burning feeling over the tongue
- problems moving your tongue or speaking
- a lump in the neck
- unexplained bleeding from the tongue (that’s not caused by biting your tongue or another injury)
- pain in the ear (rare)
In light of Shirley’s diagnosis, her California restaurant Ms Chi Cafe – serving Chinese American dishes – will be closing, with their last day in operation on Sunday, August 4.
Their social media wrote: ‘We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you – our staff, supporters, and fans. We have truly enjoyed spreading the dumpling love over the last several years and calling Culver City our home!
‘Please come by, say hi, and enjoy our menu before we close,’ they said, before adding: ‘Please continue to follow this account and @chfshirleychung for more updates – more dumplings will be coming!’
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