“I am in 100% remission!”: Shirley Chung opens up about her journey with Stage 4 tongue cancer 

Chinese-American chef Shirley Chung has posted a new update regarding her battle with Stage 4 tongue cancer. The celebrity chef first opened up about her diagnosis almost a year ago. Recently, Chung posted an update on her official Instagram account, featuring a photo of herself with a power pose and a pixie haircut. The chef wrote a lengthy caption expressing her battle with cancer and the procedures she underwent.

Read Shirley Chung's powerful caption below:

"Introducing Shirley Chung 2.0 !! ✌️💪 11 months ago, May 30th 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma tongue cancer. The tumor was hidden on the bottom left of my tongue, and it was progressing so aggressively that in less than 1 week of the diagnosis, it took over almost my entire tongue. Since 100% removal of my tongue was not an option for me as a chef. I moved to Chicago, started radiation + chemo treatments in @uchicago under Dr Vokes and Dr.Juloori’s care.

She continued:

"I completed 9 weeks, 27 chemos, then 10 weeks 50 radiation and 24 hour chemo drip.💛My first 3 month scans came back 98% cleared, only 2 of my left lymph nodes had cancer cells. I just completed my 6 month scans, I can proudly say, no cancer cell was detected in my body, I am in 100% Remission!! 🦄"

She further explained her current condition to her followers:

"I am still healing, learning to speak again and started to have solid food 2 meals a day. Dr Vokes said I need to continue to get tests and scans for 2 years, then I will be officially cured. But I am feeling great, and can’t wait to get back to life! 🔥In my cancer journey, so many of you reaching out, checking on me, digging me out when I was depressed.❤️Your love, your prayers, your support carried me forward, helped me heal, helped me always see the light."

She finally ends her caption by thanking all those who supported her throughout this dark time in her life by saying:

🐦‍🔥2.0 is stronger because I am powered by all of your love 💕 Sincerely Thank You from the bottom of my heart. 💜 I will share details of my fighting journey in the next few weeks, and I hope it will help other cancer warriors, it’s time for me to pay it forward 🥰.

A brief reflection on Shirley Chung's career as a chef

Shirley Chung is a Chinese-American chef who came to the US when she was just 17 years old. Chung did not start her career as a chef immediately. Initially, she worked in Silicon Valley and only started pursuing her love for cooking by going to culinary school after she left the tech industry.

Chung perfected her art in classic French and Italian cuisine. She has worked with world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs such as Thomas Keller, José Andrés, and Guy Savoy. She has also appeared on numerous cooking shows, such as Food Network's Tournament of Champions, Top Chef: New Orleans (Season 11), and Top Chef: Charleston (Season 14).

Shirley Chung's update on her battle with Stage 4 tongue cancer had her fans cheering for her in the comments. With her sheer determination and support from her loved ones, she is emerging stronger than ever and is dedicated to helping other "cancer warriors" feel empowered.

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