'The Bachelorette' alum Katie Thurston, 34, shares emotional breast cancer diagnosis: 'I cried a lot'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Katie Thurston, best known for her time on 'The Bachelorette', announced on Saturday, February 15, that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 34-year-old took to Instagram to share the difficult news with her followers, detailing the emotional and logistical challenges she is facing.

Katie Thurston shares health update

In her emotional post, Katie Thurston wrote, “Life update: I have breast cancer."

She reflected on how Valentine's Day, typically a day of love and joy, was instead filled with calls to doctors, insurance companies, and plans for her upcoming treatment.

Thurston candidly shared the emotional toll of the diagnosis, admitting to feelings of despair, anger, sadness, and denial before finding strength.

“I cried a lot,” she wrote.

Yet, she expressed gratitude for her fiance, comedian Jeff Arcuri who proposed in 2024.

“To my extraordinary husband-to-be @jarcuri, I don’t know how I’d do this without you,” she said.

Katie Thurston's treatment plan and relocation

Katie Thurston is now preparing to relocate from California to New York City to be closer to specialized medical care.

"Jeff [Arcuri] took me to Hawaii and after, we were going to travel the world before planting roots together in NYC finally," she shared.

Her treatment plan includes chemotherapy, surgery, fertility preservation, and mental health support.

She detailed the overwhelming process of arranging multiple appointments and ensuring her insurance would cover treatments across states.

Thurston found inspiration from other young women who have faced similar diagnoses, reading stories of breast cancer survivors.

She vowed to share her own journey to help others. “I intend to be the same for others. This is day one of sharing, and it is going to be a long one,” she said.

Outpouring of support from Bachelor Nation

Messages of love and encouragement poured in from Bachelor Nation.

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

Jasmine Goode and Justin Glaze also shared their heartfelt wishes.

"I’m so sorry Katie. Praying for you! You got this," wrote Goode. Meanwhile, Glaze wrote, "Sending you love and prayers Katie."

Katie Thurston’s journey from reality TV to real-life battles

Katie Thurston first gained recognition on Matt James’ season of 'The Bachelor' in 2020, later becoming 'The Bachelorette.'

After a brief engagement to Blake Moynes and a relationship with John Hersey, Thurston found love with comedian Jeff Arcuri, according to Us Weekly.