Emperess Tree?

I planted one of those Emperess trees a little over 2 yrs ago. It WAS growing like a weed lol (went from sapling to 15 ft tall) I was looking forward to this year as I heard they bloom in their 3rd year. I live in Missouri, and we had a very warm spell this spring, then like everyone else had that COLD snap that lasted a few weeks. The tree had already put out several leaves which all wilted & died within a few days. After it warmed up again the tree sprouted a few itty bitty leaves here & there (not normal for this tree with it's huge leaves) but recently these too fell off & now the tree is bare but like all good Emperess trees is sending up shoots at the bottom. So I know cutting it down restarts the fast growth but I REALLY hate to do that. Is there any way this tree might possibly come back next year maybe? Or is it a lost cause & just cut down & start over? Thanks :)