'Top Chef' Alum Shirley Chung Faces Stage 4 Tongue Cancer

Chung opts for chemotherapy and radiation over tongue removal, inspired by a rare successful case.

Shirley Chung, 47, revealed her cancer diagnosis after a series of dental issues led to the discovery of a tumor.
Doctors presented two treatment options: complete tongue removal or an experimental approach with chemo and radiation.
Chung chose the experimental treatment, inspired by a similar case at the University of Chicago.
She has completed six weeks of chemotherapy, noticing improvements in her tumor size, speech, and ability to eat.
Chung's decision has garnered widespread support from the culinary community and fans.