The famous chef Shirley Chung, star of Top Chef, revealed from her social media account that she was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer. Chung shared from her social media as:
“Hiiiii loves, I have some personal news to share with you,” the star chef shared on the 26th of July. “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.”
She then revealed that ulcers erupted, and her surgeon discovered the tumour under her tongue. “A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes,” she shared.
Chung stayed calm as she found out that she had a tumour, but when she learned that she was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer, she sadly broke down.
“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.’” The famous chef 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.” Chung said as she explained that she would like to keep her tongue.
“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,” the chef added.
“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!”
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