Over twenty years ago, Grant Achatz, the innovative chef renowned for his restaurants Alinea and The Aviary in Chicago, noticed a small white spot on his tongue. In his early thirties, medical experts assured him that it was likely nothing to be concerned about, attributing his symptoms to the stress of his demanding work schedule and having a new baby at home. However, as time passed, the spot on his tongue grew more sensitive to temperature and he began to experience difficulties with eating and swallowing.
Realizing that something serious was amiss, Achatz sought the advice of an oral surgeon. In 2007, at the peak of his culinary career, he received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 tongue cancer with a low survival rate. The disease had progressed over the course of four years, spreading from the primary tumor on his tongue to the lymph nodes in his neck.
Faced with limited treatment options, Achatz was presented with a challenging decision – undergo a surgery that would remove a significant portion of his tongue and lymph nodes or face the grim alternative. The irony of battling tongue cancer as a chef was not lost on him, and he was determined to explore alternative approaches to treatment.
Opting to participate in a clinical trial focused on organ preservation at the University of Chicago, Achatz underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, the treatment led to the loss of his sense of taste and smell, posing a significant obstacle in his culinary career. Despite the uncertainty of whether his taste would ever return, Achatz remained resolute in his determination to continue pursuing his passion for cooking.
Grasping onto optimism and resilience, Achatz found solace in his work at Alinea, relying on his team and expertise to navigate through the challenges. With the reassurance from his doctors that the tumor was not recurring, Achatz gradually found peace of mind and continued to push forward with unwavering determination.
“After enduring a year and a half without the ability to taste or smell, Achatz was declared cancer-free a year post-treatment. Gradually, he regained his senses. Chef Grant Achatz and oncology dietitian, Abbey Reiser, share Tasting Notes. Join the fun with the PEOPLE Puzzler crossword challenge! Now, 17 years later, Achatz and Reiser are teaming up with Johnson & Johnson for Tasting Notes, an initiative offering expert advice and practical help to patients dealing with dysgeusia — altered taste perception. Achatz aims to raise awareness about managing taste loss, especially among young individuals. Reflecting on his cancer experience, Achatz emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, urging patients to seek multiple opinions and stand up for their health. ‘You have to be strong,’ Achatz advises. Learn more in the original article on People.”
