Top Chef Alam Shirley Chung diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer I have a tough long road to recovery Shirley Chung revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer on July 26th 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 Chun a finalist on Seasons 11 of Top Chef who also competed in season 14 said that on June 2nd she met with lead oncologist Dr Alan ho at Cedar 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 one 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 than the survival rates 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 four 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 two 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 okay to be not okay I have a tough long road to recovery in front of me your love and support Will Carry Me Through cheer me on surely Chung 2.0 will be reborn in 2025 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 then pulling it off off in the morning it's kind of sexy she quicked 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 cardia Brown wrote we met you the day before you received your 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 surely that speaks volumes about your character we are praying for you and thanking God in advance for remission and total healing we love you redart you are inspiring and strong redart added Next Level Chef judge and Mentor Richard blae Top Chef star Gregory ger also commented you are so strong and gorgeous you have the spirit of a fighter see you when you kick this thing's ass love you Flex biceps medium dark skone heart suit Chum later expressed her appreciation for the kind messages writing that she's overwhelmed by the love and support I will be the unicorn unicorn face 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