Top Chef’s Shirley Chung Shares Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Top Chef's Shirley Chung Shares Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

As a lifestyle expert, I am deeply moved by Shirley Chung‘s courage and resilience. Her life journey, marked by her exceptional culinary skills and now her battle against stage 4 tongue cancer, is an inspiring tale of strength and determination.


Shirley Chung has some difficult news.

Previously featured on Top Chef, the chef revealed that she was recently diagnosed with advanced-stage oral cancer (specifically, stage 4 tongue cancer). This diagnosis followed a sequence of dental problems that began in December, after doctors discovered a tumor beneath her tongue in May.

On Instagram, July 26th, Shirley shared, “I remained remarkably composed when the doctors gave me the news, for as a chef, I’ve always excelled in high-pressure situations. My focus was laser sharp – I wanted to get all the necessary tests and scans done swiftly so that I could promptly begin my treatment plans.”

Nevertheless, Shirley encountered a challenging decision concerning her health path. She was presented with two options: either undergo surgery to have her tongue excised or opt for a more experimental treatment in Chicago that would employ radiation and chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer. Remarkably, she mentioned that this approach had shown success in an extraordinary case before.

“A higher chance of living versus losing my tongue, that’s the question posed. But as a fighter and a chef, I opt for keeping my tongue. After all, I can still strive to be that unique and magical being – a unicorn.”

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: At 47, I’ve just completed six weeks of chemotherapy treatment, but the journey isn’t over yet. Despite the challenging road ahead, I’m heartened by the signs of progress I’m seeing in my health.

Top Chef's Shirley Chung Shares Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Shirley shared in her post that her tumor is getting smaller, her speech has significantly improved, and she can eat a majority of regular foods now. She is discovering the importance of relying on others, letting go, and being more open. She realizes that even though she’s strong most of the time, it’s alright not to be okay sometimes.

Considering the “arduous journey of healing that lies ahead,” the chef shared with her followers, “Lend me your encouragement! I’ll rise again as Shirley Chung 2.0 in 2025!”

For the sake of her wellbeing, Shirley and her spouse, Jimmy Lee, chose to shut down their eatery, Ms Chi Café, which is located in Los Angeles.

Top Chef's Shirley Chung Shares Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

On Instagram, July 26th, they expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone – staff, supporters, and enthusiasts alike. It’s been a joy sharing the deliciousness of dumplings with you all for many years now, and we’re proud to have Culver City as our home!

Despite facing challenges, Shirley remains resilient in maintaining an optimistic outlook during her health experience. In a humorous Instagram post on the very same day, she made light-hearted remarks while getting her head shaved for chemotherapy.

“What kind of egg do I look like?” Shirley quipped. “A duck egg? A goose egg? A chicken egg?”

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2024-07-31 04:18