Vanessa Etienne
·4-min read
The celebrity chef said she opted to keep her tongue after doctors suggested “100% removal” to increase her survival rate
Shirley Chung revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer.
On July 26, the Top Chef alum, 47, shared the emotional health update on Instagram, explaining that her diagnosis came after a “series of dental issues,” including her severely biting her tongue and fracturing her tooth, which needed to be extracted.
Initially, it was thought her problems were caused by her grinding her teeth.
“The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue,” she wrote. “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 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, a finalist on seasons 11 of Top Chef who also competed in season 14, said that on June 2, she met with lead oncologist Dr. Allen Ho at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to discuss her treatment plan.
“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,’” she recalled. “[Husband] 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.”
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Doctors told Chung about a “unicorn case” at the University of Chicago where they were able to “cure” a patient through radiation and chemotherapy.
“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,” she continued. “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!”
Related: Kathy Griffin Says Her Vocal Cord Repair Was Successful Following Damage from Lung Cancer Surgery
Chung’s post included a video and photos of her shaving off her hair while surrounded by her loved ones. After starting to lose her hair during cancer treatments, the celebrity chef said in a video that shaving it off herself was better for her mentally than “pulling it off in the morning."
“It’s kinda sexy,” she quipped.
In the comments, Chung received tons of well wishes from fans and fellow celebrity chefs as she continues her cancer journey.
Delicious Miss Brown host Kardea Brown wrote, “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 ❤️”
“You are inspiring and strong. ❤️,” added Next Level Chef judge and mentor Richard Blais.
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Top Chef star Gregory Gourdet also commented, “You are so strong and gorgeous. You have the spirit of a fighter. See you when you kick this things ass! Love you!!💪🏾♥️”
Chung later expressed her appreciation for the kind messages, writing that she’s overwhelmed by the love and support.
“I Will be the unicorn 🦄,” she said. “I am reading each and every one of your comments, taking everything in, thank you for sharing your stories with me, we will take on the fight together 🔥🔥🔥”
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