Former “Top Chef” finalist Shirley Chan She says she was diagnosed with tongue cancer after suffering from serious dental problems.
Chung posted a message. Instagram She detailed her painful journey, which began when she bit her tongue, shattering a tooth and having to have it replaced with an implant.
At first, she thought her illness was due to teeth grinding, but in May she developed ulcers in her mouth and an oral surgeon discovered a tumour under her tongue, which turned out to be stage four cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.
When the doctor told her the bad news, Chung said she remained calm because she works well under pressure, but immediately focused on getting the tests she needed for her treatment plan.
Although Chung appeared calm, she reportedly broke down in tears when she found out she would have to undergo surgery to completely remove her tongue.
Chung said she asked doctors if it was possible to survive with her tongue intact and was told there were “unicorn cases” – patients who had been cured after undergoing chemotherapy.
She eventually decides to keep quiet, believing that she too can become a unicorn.
Chong said he has now completed six weeks of chemotherapy and is making some progress, with the tumour shrinking, his speech improving and he is able to eat most normal foods again.
In an Instagram post, Chung uploaded videos and photos of her shaving her entire head after her hair began falling out during cancer treatment, and admitted that being hairless is “kind of sexy.”
As for her “Top Chef” fame, Chong made it to the finals in season 11 of the Bravo TV show and also competed in season 14.
