Former “Top Chef” finalist Shirley Chung says she was diagnosed with tongue cancer after suffering serious dental problems.
Chung posted a message on Instagram detailing her painful journey that began with her biting her tongue and breaking a tooth, which had to be replaced with an implant.
She said she initially thought her ailments were due to her teeth grinding, but in May she developed mouth ulcers and her oral surgeon found a tumor under her tongue. This turned out to be stage 4 cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.
When doctors delivered the bad news, Chung said she was calm because she thrives under pressure, but quickly focused on getting the tests needed for her treatment plan.
Despite her coolness, Chung says she broke down in tears when she learned she would have to undergo surgery to completely remove her tongue.
Chung says she asked doctors if she could keep her tongue and still survive — and was told there was a “unicorn case” where a patient was cured after receiving chemotherapy.
Her final decision was to hold her tongue, believing that she too could be a unicorn.
Now, Chung says, she’s finished 6 weeks of chemo and is seeing some progress, as the tumor is shrinking and her speech is improving. She’s also able to eat most normal foods again.
In her IG post, Chung uploaded a video and photos showing her shaving her entire head after she began losing hair during her cancer treatments. She admits that having no hair is “kind of sexy.”
As for her “Top Chef” fame, Chung was a finalist on the Bravo TV show’s 11th season and also competed on season 14.