Shirley Chung is in a struggle for her life.
Earlier this week, the Prime Chef alum took to Instagram with a view to break the terrible information that she was identified with stage 4 tongue most cancers in Could.
Primarily based 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 beneath my tongue,” Chung informed followers.
“A number 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 all the time thrived beneath stress. I used to be extraordinarily centered on getting all of the assessments and scans as quick as potential, so I can begin on the remedy plans.”
Nevertheless, Chung — who superior to the Prime Chef finals on Season 14 — was shortly confronted with a virtually inconceivable troublesome choice when it got here to her medical journey.
She might bear surgical procedure to have her tongue eliminated … or undergo a extra experimental remedy 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, 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,’” Chung recalled by way of her emotional publish.
“[Husband] Jimmy was holding it collectively for each of us, asking if now we have any possibility that I can preserve my tongue and the survival charges.”
Chung additionally appeared on Season 11 of Prime Chef. She continued as follows:
“Increased survival charge, or preserve my tongue? I selected to maintain my tongue, I’m a fighter, I’m a chef, I might be that unicorn too.
“I simply completed 6 weeks of Chemo (and have many extra to go), going to the hospital 4 occasions per week for injections, it’s like a full time job. My tumor is shrinking, my speech is significantly 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 properly needs, Chung concluded:
“I’m studying to lean on others, to let go, to be extra susceptible ….. it took me 2 weeks of considering to resolve to inform my mother and father about my most cancers, solely my shut circle of pals and my sister have recognized till now.
“I’m studying, I might be sturdy 98% of the time, it’s okay to be not okay. I’ve a troublesome lengthy street to restoration in entrance of me.
“Your love and help will carry me by means of. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 will probably be reborn in 2025!”