A Patient's Guide to Lung Cancer
'Top Chef' Alum Shirley Chung Reveals Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Diagnosis: Treatment Is 'a Full-Time Job'
Top Chef Season 11 and 14 alum Shirley Chung has revealed she has Stage 4 tongue cancer and is currently undergoing treatments.
Chung, was a finalist in Top Chef Season 11 and competed again in Season 14, shared the difficult news in an Instagram post on July 26 that showed the celebrity chef shaving her head. The caption revealed that her treatment options were to surgically remove "100 percent" of her tongue or undergo radiation and chemotherapy. She chose the latter and has since undergone six weeks of treatment.
"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. And I was too busy to see a EMT specialist," Chung said in the caption. "The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue. A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes."
She was absorbing the information calmly at first, up until the doctor said that the best treatment option would be complete removal of her tongue. Her hopes were raised when she was told of a "unicorn case" involving a chef who was "cured" by chemo and radiation.
"I broke down, crying, trying to put thoughts together and ask questions but physically couldn't, all I heard was 'option 1, surgery, 100 percent removal of your tongue,'" Chung wrote. "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. '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."
Chung said treatment has been like "a full-time job" but that the results have been promising so far. She says there's a "long road to recovery" ahead.
"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. My tumor is shrinking, my speech is much better and I can eat most normal food now," she shared. "I am learning to lean on others, to let go, to be more vulnerable ….. 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 percent 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!"
Chung is surrounded by loved ones as her head gets shaved in the video shared above, and the post includes photos from the experience. A loved one shaved their head along with her. The comments section is flooded with words of support for the Top Chef alum.
Top Chef
Shirley Chung revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer.
On July 26, the Top Chef alum, 47, shared the emotional health update on Instagram, explaining that her diagnosis came after a "series of dental issues," including her severely biting her tongue and fracturing her tooth, which needed to be extracted.
Initially, it was thought her problems were caused by her grinding her teeth.
"The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue," she wrote. "A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes. I was very calm when doctors delivered the news. As a chef, I've always thrived under pressure. I was extremely focused on getting all the tests and scans as fast as possible, so I can start on the treatment plans."
Chung, a finalist on seasons 11 of Top Chef who also competed in season 14, said that on June 2, she met with lead oncologist Dr. Allen Ho at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to discuss her treatment plan.
"I 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,'" she recalled. "[Husband] 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."
Shirley Chung/Instagram
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Doctors told Chung about a "unicorn case" at the University of Chicago where they were able to "cure" a patient through radiation and chemotherapy.
"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. 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 ….. 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," she continued. "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!"
Shirley Chung/Instagram
Chung's post included a video and photos of her shaving off her hair while surrounded by her loved ones. After starting to lose her hair during cancer treatments, the celebrity chef said in a video that shaving it off herself was better for her mentally than "pulling it off in the morning."
"It's kinda sexy," she quipped.
In the comments, Chung received tons of well wishes from fans and fellow celebrity chefs as she continues her cancer journey.
Delicious Miss Brown host Kardea Brown wrote, "We met you the day before you received you treatment plan…..But we had no clue about the battle you were fighting. You cooked for us that night and had the biggest smile on your face the entire time 🥹……Shirley that speaks volumes about your character! We are praying for you and thanking God in advance for remission and total healing! We love you ❤️"
"You are inspiring and strong. ❤️," added Next Level Chef judge and mentor Richard Blais.
Shirley Chung/Instagram
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
Top Chef star Gregory Gourdet also commented, "You are so strong and gorgeous. You have the spirit of a fighter. See you when you kick this things ass! Love you!!💪🏾♥️"
Chung later expressed her appreciation for the kind messages, writing that she's overwhelmed by the love and support.
"I Will be the unicorn 🦄," she said. "I am reading each and every one of your comments, taking everything in, thank you for sharing your stories with me, we will take on the fight together 🔥🔥🔥"
Man, 31, Has 'just Months To Live' After 'being Sent Home From Hospital With Ibuprofen For A Sore Back'
A MAN has been told he could have just months to live after being sent home from hospital with ibuprofen for his sore back.
Oliver Anderson, 31, a former car body repairer from Dunfermline, Scotland, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August 2019 at the age of 26, after experiencing a "sore back."
6
Oliver was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer6
He and his wife, Anne Marie, were given the news after he was experiencing back painLiving with his wife Ann-Marie, 27, former security guard, Oliver initially managed his symptoms with radiotherapy and a targeted cancer drug.
However, after suffering seizures in March this year, Oliver was devastated to learn that the cancer had spread to his brain, kidneys, and oesophagus.
The journey to this heart-breaking diagnosis began in July 2019, when Oliver's back pain became "excruciating."
Initially dismissed by hospital staff and sent home with ibuprofen, Oliver's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to further hospital visits, tests, and his diagnosis with stage 4 lung cancer.
He said: "I thought I'd injured my back at work or maybe I'd pulled a muscle.
"There was no inclination it was anything more serious, and I had four or five doctors tell me at this stage, 'Don't worry, it's not cancer'."
Doctors have now given him "anywhere between five months and five years left to live".
Oliver said: "I know I'm going to die, it's just knowing when – and now I've been given that timescale."
UNSAFE SEX
Top condom and lube brands found to contain 'forever chemicals' linked to cancer
EAT UP
The 6 foods that 'reprogram' your gut and slash your risk of diabetes & Alzheimer's
SUDDEN LOSS
Dad dies just 12 days after discovering the true cause of his 'indigestion'
TRAGIC END
Influencer, 30, dies of breast cancer 9yrs after diagnosis as tributes pour inDespite being advised to complete a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form, Oliver and Ann-Marie are not ready to give up.
With Oliver unable to work and living on benefits, the couple are now fundraising for £2,000 to help them "make memories" together, such as going on staycations, enjoying meals out, and renewing their vows.
Terminal cancerous mass identified after tickly cough"The fact is my wife could only have five months with me or she could have five years – but that's not enough. That's why we're trying to make as many memories as possible."
Just two weeks later, Oliver was called back to hospital, where he was introduced to a lung specialist, a doctor, and a Macmillan nurse.
On August 9, 2019, he was informed he had incurable stage 4 lung cancer.
He said: "When I was told it was cancer, I thought I should be okay, but when I was told it was stage 4 lung cancer, which means it's terminal, then things started to change in my life,
"I went from being able to work to not being able to do anything. We just broke down and we couldn't understand how something as simple as having a sore back could change your life so dramatically."
Ann-Marie added: "All that went through my head at the time was, 'Is he going to die' It just broke me, I couldn't function."
Following his diagnosis, Oliver began radiotherapy on August 12, which left him unable to swallow food or drink.
He was then prescribed alcetinib, a targeted cancer drug, but was advised to avoid sunlight, further limiting his ability to enjoy life.
On March 4 this year, Oliver's condition took a turn for the worse after experiencing seizures and paralysis on the left side of his body.
A second opinion confirmed the cancer had spread, and he now faces an uncertain future with just months to live.
Signs your backpain could be a sign of cancer
Back pain that could be a sign of cancer is typically present alongside other cancer symptoms. Sometimes, these can be passed off as being due to another condition when they are related to cancer.
Examples of these symptoms may be:
Back pain doesn't always have to be severe to indicate cancer. It can range in severity.
Having a personal history of cancer along with these symptoms might also increase your risk. If you have back pain and are worried it could be cancer, consider your overall symptoms and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Throughout this ordeal, Oliver has relied heavily on Ann-Marie, who has been his primary caregiver.
He said: "I can't thank her enough for everything she's done for me,
"When I first got diagnosed, I genuinely thought she'd run for the hills because I felt I was putting pressure on her to stay when she could have done whatever she wanted with her life.
"I love her to pieces."
Determined to enjoy the time they have left, the couple have put bills aside to focus on "having more fun" and set up a GoFundMe page to help them achieve their dreams.
They hope to renew their vows on October 25, their wedding anniversary, and Oliver wishes to revisit some of his old hobbies, such as fishing.
Oliver said: "Making memories to us is as simple as going out for a bite to eat,
"I don't have this extravagant plan of jumping out of a plane or going skydiving, it's more about going away for a night at a hotel, having dinner one night, or going out for a steak or a hot chocolate.
"We don't expect much because in our world we don't need much to be happy. As long as we do the little things together, that's all that counts."
Ann-Marie urges others to seek medical attention if something feels wrong and to persist until they get answers.
To support Oliver and Ann-Marie in making memories, visit their fundraiser here.
Meanwhile, if you suspect cancer symptoms booking an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible is paramount as Cancer Research warns long waits for NHS cancer treatment have tripled since 2017.
The charity found 12 per cent of patients did not start therapy for 104 days or more in 2022.
NHS standards stipulate that at least 85 per cent should start treatment within 62 days of their first doctor's referral.
The latest figure was a rise from four percent in 2017 and means more than 20,000 people faced the agonising delays.
Elsewhere, new technology could help the long NHS waiting lists as an AI software has been released which could cut waiting lists by spotting prostate cancer earlier and more accurately.
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, the Pi medical platform, designed by Cambridge University scientists, can detect the disease and avoid unnecessary biopsies.
6
The couple married on October 25 back in 20196
With only five months to live they've made a bucket life to "make more memories"6
They have set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds to create memories in the short time he has left6
They plan to renew their vows on October 25 to commemorate their wedding anniversary
Comments
Post a Comment