Top Cook alum Shirley Chung has revealed that she is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for stage 4 tongue cancer. Shirley, known for her resilience and culinary skills, shared the news on Instagram on July 26, explaining that her diagnosis came after a series of dental issues that began in December.
“I was very calm when doctors delivered the news,” Shirley wrote. “As a cook, I have always thrived under pressure. I was extremely focused on getting all the tests and reviews done as quickly as possible so I could start on the treatment plans.”
Shirley faced a difficult decision regarding her treatment: she could either undergo surgery to have her tongue removed or opt for a more experimental treatment in Chicago that involved radiation and chemo. The experimental treatment had previously worked in a “unicorn case,” leading Shirley to choose it over surgery. “Advanced survival rate, or keep my tongue?” she wrote. “I chose to keep my tongue. I’m a fighter, I’m a cook, I can be that unicorn too.”
At 47, Shirley has completed six weeks of chemotherapy and has more sessions ahead. However, she is starting to see improvements in her condition. “My tumor is shrinking, my speech is much better, and I can eat the most normal food now,” she said. “I’m learning to lean on others, to let go, to be more vulnerable. I can be strong 98% of the time, it’s okay to not be okay.”
Despite the tough road to recovery, Shirley remains optimistic. “Cheer me on,” she urged her followers. “Shirley Chung 2.0 will be revived in 2025!”
To focus on her health, Shirley and her husband, Jimmy Lee, made the difficult decision to close their Los Angeles-based restaurant, Ms Chi Café. “We are incredibly thankful to each and every one of you,” they posted on Instagram. “Our staff, supporters, and fans. We’ve truly enjoyed spreading the dumpling love over the last several years and calling Culver City our home!”
Throughout her journey, Shirley maintains a positive attitude. In a video shared on Instagram, she joked while shaving her head for chemotherapy. “What kind of egg do I look like?” she quipped. “A duck egg? A goose egg? A chicken egg?”
Shirley Chung’s strength and determination are inspiring, and her culinary community eagerly anticipates her full recovery and return to the kitchen.