Katie Thurston Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: ‘Ready to Fight This’

Former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, sharing her journey with fans in an emotional Instagram post.

“Life update: I have breast cancer,” Thurston, 34, wrote on Saturday, February 15. She reflected on how Valentine’s Day looked different for her this year, admitting she felt “envious” seeing others celebrate with loved ones.

“Yesterday I saw all the couples post their Valentines Day celebrations. I felt envious if I’m being honest. Jeff took me to Hawaii and after, we were going to travel the world before planting roots together in NYC finally. But instead, my Vday was spent coordinating a place to live as I have to go back to LA for more testing and treatment. I used my morning to figure out insurance for NYC and laws on preexisting conditions. I scheduled appointments for another biopsy, fertility, mental health, surgery, as well as meeting with my team to discuss the overall treatment plan, which will include chemo.

I experienced a range of emotions over the past two weeks. Despair. Anger. Sadness. Denial. And then strength. Purposeful. Ready. I cried a lot. I tried to even make a video instead of this post and couldn’t.

But one thing I did early on was search other stories like mine. Other young women with breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma. Mastectomy. Pregnancy after breast cancer. All of their stories helped. So I intend to be the same for others. This is day one of sharing and is going to be a long one. This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this.

Thurston shared that she and her boyfriend, Jeff Arcuri, had planned to travel the world together before settling down in New York City. However, her plans changed as she now prepares to undergo further testing and treatment in Los Angeles.

“To my extraordinary husband-to-be @jarcuri,” she added on Saturday. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you. The selfless love that you smother me in is beyond anything I imagined I’d be blessed with. I love you to the fullest in this lifetime and the next.”

According to Katie, she was diagnosed earlier this month.

Despite the unexpected challenge, Thurston expressed determination in her battle against the disease. She has received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow reality stars, all rooting for her recovery.

Her openness about her diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of health awareness and early detection. As she embarks on this difficult journey, she remains resilient, vowing to take on the fight ahead.

Thurston’s announcement was met with an outpouring of love and support from her fellow Bachelor Nation stars. Many took to the comments section of her post to send their well wishes, offering words of encouragement and strength.

“Sending you all my love during this time, Katie,” Jade Roper replied. “Cancer doesn’t know who they’re dealing with, you got this. ❤️❤️❤️.”

Jasmine Goode, for her part, added, “I’m so sorry Katie. Praying for you! You got this 💓.”

“Sending you love and prayers Katie,” Justin Glaze wrote via Instagram comment.