EGN NEWS DESK
Shirley Chung is in a battle for her life.
Earlier this week, the Top Chef alum took to Instagram as a way to break the terrible information that she was identified with stage 4 tongue most cancers in May.
Based on her detailed clarification of how the prognosis got here out, it was fully surprising on the time.
“The finish of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon found a hidden tumor beneath my tongue,” Chung advised followers.
“Just a few days later, I used to be identified, stage 4 tongue most cancers, as most cancers cells additionally unfold into my lymph nodes. I used to be very calm when medical doctors delivered the information.
“As a chef, I’ve all the time thrived beneath strain. I used to be extraordinarily centered on getting all of the checks and scans as quick as attainable, so I can begin on the remedy plans.”
However, Chung — who superior to the Top Chef finals on Season 14 — was rapidly confronted with a virtually unattainable tough choice when it got here to her medical journey.
She may bear surgical procedure to have her tongue eliminated … or undergo a extra experimental remedy in Chicago that had would concentrate on radiation and chemo to take away the most cancers, which she mentioned had beforehand labored in “a unicorn case.”
“I broke down, crying, attempting to place ideas collectively and ask questions however bodily couldn’t, all I heard was ‘possibility 1, surgical procedure, 100% elimination of your tongue,’” Chung recalled through her emotional publish.
“[Husband] Jimmy was holding it collectively for each of us, asking if we’ve any possibility that I can hold my tongue and the survival charges.”
Chung additionally appeared on Season 11 of Top Chef. She continued as follows:
“Higher survival charge, or hold my tongue? I selected to maintain my tongue, I’m a fighter, I’m a chef, I will be that unicorn too.
“I simply completed 6 weeks of Chemo (and have many extra to go), going to the hospital 4 occasions every week for injections, it’s like a full time job. My tumor is shrinking, my speech is a lot better and I can eat most conventional meals now.”
We’re so very, very glad to listen to that.
Chung’s Instagram publish included footage and pictures of her shaving off her hair whereas surrounded by her family members.
Prior to thanking supporters for his or her properly needs, Chung concluded:
“I’m studying to lean on others, to let go, to be extra weak ….. it took me 2 weeks of considering to determine to inform my mother and father about my most cancers, solely my shut circle of pals and my sister have recognized till now.
“I’m studying, I will be robust 98% of the time, it’s alright to be not okay. I’ve a troublesome lengthy street to restoration in entrance of me.
“Your love and assist will carry me by. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 can be reborn in 2025!”
