Shirley Chung is in a combat for her life.
Earlier this week, the Prime Chef alum took to Instagram with a purpose to break the terrible information that she was identified with stage 4 tongue most cancers in Could.
Based mostly on her detailed rationalization of how the analysis got here out, it was fully surprising on the time.
“The top of Could, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon found a hidden tumor underneath my tongue,” Chung instructed followers.
“A couple of 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 at all times thrived underneath stress. I used to be extraordinarily targeted on getting all of the assessments and scans as quick as potential, so I can begin on the therapy plans.”
Nevertheless, Chung — who superior to the Prime Chef finals on Season 14 — was rapidly confronted with a virtually unimaginable troublesome determination when it got here to her medical journey.
She may endure surgical procedure to have her tongue eliminated … or undergo a extra experimental therapy in Chicago that had would deal with radiation and chemo to take away the most cancers, which she stated 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 ‘choice 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 choice that I can hold my tongue and the survival charges.”
Chung additionally appeared on Season 11 of Prime Chef. She continued as follows:
“Greater 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.
Previous to thanking supporters for his or her effectively 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 dad and mom about my most cancers, solely my shut circle of buddies and my sister have recognized till now.
“I’m studying, I will be sturdy 98% of the time, it’s okay to be not okay. I’ve a troublesome lengthy highway to restoration in entrance of me.
“Your love and help will carry me by. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 can be reborn in 2025!”
