After being recognized with Stage 4 tongue most cancers, Shirley Chung was offered with two therapy choices: She might take the much less widespread route of chemotherapy and radiation or the more practical route of eradicating her tongue solely. Shirley selected the previous.
The Prime Chef alum recalled the dilemma in a July 26 Instagram publish through which she publicly introduced her prognosis. Shirley, who appeared in Prime Chef: New Orleans (Season 11, 2013) and Prime Chef: Charleston (Season 14, 2016), stated she discovered about her most cancers practically two months in the past after a sequence of dental points that have been initially attributed to her tooth grinding.
“I bit my tongue severely; I fractured my tooth and needed to extract it and get an implant… we thought it was as a result of I’m a heavy tooth grinder,” she wrote within the prolonged publish. “And I used to be too busy to see a EMT specialist. The top of Could, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon found a hidden tumor beneath my tongue. A couple of days later, I used to be recognized, stage 4 tongue most cancers, as most cancers cells additionally unfold into my lymph nodes.”
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Shirley Chung “broke down” when offered with most cancers therapy choices
Shirley stated she remained “very calm” when she acquired the information and was centered on tackling the illness as quickly as attainable; nonetheless, she grew to become dispirited shortly after.
“Sunday June 2nd, Dr. Ho, my lead oncologist at Cedar Sinai known as to debate therapy plans,” she stated. “I broke down, crying, making an attempt to place ideas collectively and ask questions however bodily couldn’t, all I heard was ‘possibility 1, surgical procedure, 100% elimination of your tongue.’”
Shirley stated her husband, Jimmy Lee, saved his composure throughout the appointment and requested if there have been various remedies that may permit Shirley to maintain her tongue.
“‘There’s another choice, which was a unicorn case, at College of Chicago,’” the physician informed the couple. “‘They cured a affected person (a chef!) with radiation and chemo, however you’ll have to go to Chicago.’ Larger survival price, or maintain my tongue? I selected to maintain my tongue, I’m a fighter, I’m a chef, I may be that unicorn too.”
Shirley Chung is seeing enchancment after six weeks of chemo
On July 26, Shirley confirmed she had accomplished six weeks of chemotherapy and had “many extra to go.” Though the expertise has been removed from straightforward, the chef stated she’s seen enhancements in her well being and general mindset.
“My tumor is shrinking, my speech is a lot better and I can eat most traditional meals now,” she wrote. “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 dad and mom about my most cancers, solely my shut circle of pals and my sister have recognized till now.”
She continued: “I’m studying, I may be sturdy 98% of the time, it’s alright to be not okay. I’ve a tricky lengthy highway to restoration in entrance of me. Your love and assist will carry me by way of. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 can be reborn in 2025!”
Shirley Chung closes her Culver Metropolis restaurant to give attention to her well being
The publish included pictures of Shirley sitting in Ms Chi Cafe, a Chinese language restaurant she owns and operates in Culver Metropolis, California. The carousel confirmed the chef shaving her head with the assistance of Jimmy, who additionally shaved his locks in an act of assist and solidarity.
On Thursday (July 26) afternoon, the couple introduced they have been closing Ms Chi in early August so they might put all of the power into Shirley’s restoration.
“We’re extremely grateful to each one among you—our workers, supporters, and followers,” they wrote. “Now we have actually loved spreading the dumpling love over the past a number of years and calling Culver Metropolis our dwelling!”
