Chef star Shirley Chung reveals Stage 4 cancer diagnosis shaving hair
Top Chef star Shirley Chung has revealed on social media that she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer . The 47-year-old chef, who has appeared on Top Chef (a finalist in Season 11), Tournament of Champions and Top Chef: Amateurs, took to social media to announce the news on Friday.
She shared a video and several photos of her shaving her hair off to prepare for chemotherapy treatments. The chef also announced that Ms. Chi Cafe, the restaurant she opened in Culver City, California in 2018, will be closing next month due to her treatment.
The video showed her taking two big swipes across her head with the clippers, as she joked about what kind of egg her head looked like. She's told, 'You don't have to smile, Shirley,' but she insists, 'That's automatic. Camera? I smile.' She adds, 'Surprisingly, shaving it off for my mentally... it felt better than pulling it off in the morning,' adding, 'It's kind of sexy too.'
Chung also left a lengthy caption on Instagram, where she explained how her diagnosis came to be. 'Hiiiii loves, I have some personal news to share with you. Since last year December, I had a series of dental issues, I bit my tongue severely; I fractured my tooth and had to extract it and get an implant… we thought it was because I am a heavy teeth grinder,' she began. 'And I was too busy to see a EMT specialist.
The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue,' she said. 'A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes,' she revealed to her 'I was very calm when doctors delivered the news, as a chef, I’ve always thrive under pressure. ,' she admitted. 'I was extremely focused on getting all the tests and scans as fast as possible, so I can start on the treatment plans,' she said.
She continued that on Sunday June 2nd, 'Dr. Ho, my lead oncologist at Cedar Sinai called to discuss treatment plans,' adding she, 'broke down, crying, trying to put thoughts together and ask questions but physically couldn’t.' 'All I heard was “option 1, surgery, 100% removal of your tongue” … Jimmy was holding it together for both of us, asking if we have any option that I can keep my tongue and the survival rates .' She was told, 'There is another option, which was a unicorn case, at University of Chicago, they cured a patient (a chef!) with radiation and chemo, but you will have to go to Chicago.' 'Higher survival rate, or keep my tongue? I chose to keep my tongue, I am a fighter, I am a chef, I can be that unicorn too,' she said. 'I just finished 6 weeks of Chemo (and have many more to go), going to the hospital 4 times a week for injections, it’s like a full time job,' Chung insisted. 'My tumor is shrinking, my speech is much better and I can eat most normal food now. I am learning to lean on others, to let go, to be more vulnerable,' she continued.
Chung admitted, 'it took me 2 weeks of contemplating to decide to tell my parents about my cancer, only my close circle of friends and my sister have known until now.' 'I am learning, I can be strong 98% of the time, it’s ok to be not ok. I have a tough long road to recovery in front of me. Your love and support will carry me through. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 will be reborn in 2025!' she concluded.
She also shared a post through her Ms. Chi Cafe announcing the restaurant will close next week so she can focus on treatment.
'In light of Chef Shirley’s diagnosis, we have made the difficult decision to close Ms Chi so she can focus on recovery. Ms Chi’s last day of operation will be Sunday, August 4th,' the post began. 'We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you—our staff, supporters, and fans. We have truly enjoyed spreading the dumpling love over the last several years and calling Culver City our home!' the post continued.
'Please come by, say hi, and enjoy our menu before we close. We will still be operating our normal business hours until August 4th! August 14th and 15th will be the final days for @goldbelly orders, so now is the time to stock up. This is a temporary pause on orders, and we will be back!' they continued. 'Please continue to follow this account and @chfshirleychung for more updates—more dumplings will be coming!' the post concluded.
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