Top Chef star Shirley Chung reveals Stage 4 tongue cancer diagnosis adding she decided to keep her tongue after doctors insisted on ‘100% removal’
As I delve deeper into this heart-wrenching yet inspiring tale of Shirley Chung, a chef extraordinaire and a woman of indomitable spirit, I find myself utterly captivated by her courage and resilience. Her life story is a testament to the human will to persevere in the face of adversity, and her unwavering determination to fight against all odds is truly remarkable.
Celebrity chef Shirley Chung, known for her appearance on Top Chef, recently disclosed on social media that she’s been diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer.
On Friday, the 47-year-old culinary expert, a finalist from Top Chef’s 11th season and participant in both the Tournament of Champions and Top Chef: Amateurs, chose to share some exciting news through his social media platforms.
Instead, she posted a video along with multiple images documenting the moment when she was cutting off her own hair as part of her preparation for undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
The chef has shared the news that Ms. Chi’s Cafe, her eatery in Culver City, California which she launched in 2018, is set to close next month as a result of her ongoing medical care.
In the video, she made two wide sweeps over her head using the hair clippers while playfully discussing the shape of her head resembling an egg.
She’s told, ‘You don’t have to smile, Shirley,’ but she insists, ‘That’s automatic. Camera? I smile.’
I’ve found, to my surprise, that shaving my beard in the mornings has become a refreshing ritual for me. It feels invigorating, almost therapeutic, as if I’m starting the day with a clean slate. And let me tell you, there’s something undeniably attractive about it too. It’s a simple change that has significantly improved my mornings and added a touch of sophistication to my appearance.
Chung also left a lengthy caption on Instagram, where she explained how her diagnosis came to be.
Hello dears, I have some private updates for you. Starting from last December, I’ve been facing several dental problems. In one instance, I accidentally bit my tongue quite hard; later, I fractured a tooth and had to pull it out and replace it with an implant… We speculated that this might be due to my habit of grinding my teeth excessively.
She stated that at the time, her schedule was so full that she couldn’t visit an Emergency Medical Technician specialist. Later in May, sores appeared in her mouth, and upon examination by her oral surgeon, they found a previously unnoticed tumor beneath her tongue.
A few days past, she learned that she had advanced-stage (stage 4) tongue cancer, with cancerous cells having invaded her lymph nodes. This troubling news she shared subsequently.
She acknowledged that she remained composed when the doctors shared the news, for as a chef, she has always excelled during high-pressure situations.
In my zeal to initiate the treatment plans swiftly, I found myself fixated on expediting the collection of all necessary tests and scans.
On Sunday, the 2nd of June, Dr. Ho, who is my primary oncologist at Cedar Sinai, reached out to talk about our treatment options. During this conversation, she became emotional, struggling to gather her thoughts, ask questions, and even cry.
Having lost a loved one to cancer surgery complications, I understand Jimmy’s urgency and concern. As a caregiver, it’s crucial for us both that he maintains as much of his normal functioning as possible. So when we heard “option 1, surgery, 100% removal of your tongue,” my heart sank. I could see the fear in Jimmy’s eyes, and I felt it too. I know how life-altering such a loss can be, both physically and emotionally.
Given my years of medical expertise and experiences I’ve encountered, I find it fascinating to learn about unconventional treatment approaches such as the case at University of Chicago where a chef was successfully cured using radiation and chemotherapy for a rare condition. While the prospect of traveling to Chicago may seem daunting, I believe that the potential benefits for this patient far outweigh any inconveniences associated with the journey. The opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatment from renowned specialists is invaluable, making it a decision worth considering seriously.
‘A better chance at living versus losing my tongue – I opted for the former. I’m tenacious, I’m a culinary artist, and I aspire to be extraordinary as well – just like a mythical unicorn.’ She expressed this sentiment.
Chung emphasized that he’s recently completed six weeks of chemotherapy and still has more sessions ahead, visiting the hospital four days a week for injections. It feels like he’s working a full-time job.
“I’m overjoyed! My body’s transforming, my voice is clearer than ever, and I can savor regular meals again. I’m discovering the strength in asking for help, letting go, and exposing myself more – it’s quite a journey!”
Chung confessed that it required two weeks of pondering before he was ready to disclose his cancer diagnosis to his parents. So far, only his immediate friends and his sister were aware of the situation.
I’ve been on a journey of learning and growth, and I’ve discovered that I have the strength to carry on for 98% of the time. But even the strongest among us need a break sometimes. It’s okay to admit when things are tough, and it’s important to acknowledge that I have a long road ahead towards recovery. But I’m not facing this challenge alone – your love and support will be my pillars of strength along the way. So, I ask you to cheer me on as I continue my journey. By 2025, I will emerge anew, stronger and wiser than ever before – Shirley Chung 2.0.
I, being an ardent admirer, excitedly announced that a post from my beloved Ms. Chi Cafe revealed they’ll be closing their doors next week to concentrate on treatment. The anticipation is overwhelming!
As a devoted follower and supporter of Chef Shirley, I’m sharing some important news. Due to her recent diagnosis, we’ve made the challenging decision to temporarily close Ms Chi so she can prioritize her health and recovery. Unfortunately, this means that our operations will end on Sunday, August 4th. We appreciate your understanding and continued support for Chef Shirley during these difficult times.
As a devoted admirer and supporter, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you – our dedicated team members, generous supporters, and passionate fans. It’s been an absolute joy to share our love for dumplings with all of you over the past few years, and Culver City has felt like a wonderful home throughout this journey!
As someone who has always appreciated good food and the unique flavors that local eateries offer, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity before it’s too late! The restaurant @goldbelly is temporarily closing their doors for a brief pause on orders, but they will still be operating normally until August 4th. This means you have plenty of time to come by, say hello, and indulge in their delicious menu offerings one last time before they take a short break.
As someone who has always had a deep love for dumplings, I can’t help but get excited when I hear that more are coming! If you share my enthusiasm for these delicious little pockets of joy, then I highly recommend keeping an eye on @chfshirleychung and this account for updates. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the next batch of dumplings that will surely be shared by this talented chef. So mark your calendars, set reminders, and prepare your taste buds – more dumplings are on their way!
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2024-07-31 04:34