Katie Thurston, known for her time on “The Bachelorette,” has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34.
The reality star took to Instagram on Saturday to share the news, expressing her determination to fight the disease.
An Unexpected Valentine’s Day
Thurston opened up about her diagnosis in a heartfelt post, sharing a black-and-white photo of herself alongside a deeply personal message. She admitted to feeling envious while watching others celebrate Valentine’s Day, as her own day was spent making crucial medical arrangements.
“Jeff [Arcuri] 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,” she shared.
Moving and Managing Treatment Plans
Currently in the process of relocating from California to New York with her fiancé, comedian Jeff Arcuri, Thurston explained the challenges of navigating her medical care amid the transition. She spent the morning sorting through her insurance coverage and researching laws on preexisting conditions in New York.
She detailed the steps she has taken since receiving the diagnosis, including scheduling multiple medical appointments. “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,” she wrote.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Thurston revealed that she was informed of her diagnosis earlier this month, and since then, she has experienced a wide range of emotions. “I experienced a range of emotions over the past two weeks. Despair. Anger. Sadness. Denial. And then strength. Purposeful. Ready,” she shared. She admitted to shedding many tears and initially struggling to share her journey publicly.
Despite the challenges, she has found solace in hearing the stories of other women who have gone through similar battles. “All of their stories helped. So I intend to be the same for others,” she stated.
A Message of Love and Gratitude
In her post, Thurston expressed her gratitude for her fiancé’s unwavering support. “To my extraordinary husband to be @jarcuri – 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.”
Katie Thurston’s Journey in the Spotlight
Thurston first gained national attention when she appeared on Season 25 of “The Bachelor” alongside Matt James. She later became the lead of Season 17 of “The Bachelorette,” where she briefly got engaged to Blake Moynes. Their relationship ended after less than three months, and she later found love with Jeff Arcuri.
Now, as she embarks on this new and challenging chapter, she remains committed to sharing her journey and inspiring others. “This is day one of sharing, and it is going to be a long one,” she wrote. “This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this.”
As Thurston prepares for treatment, fans and fellow Bachelor Nation stars have flooded her social media with messages of love, strength, and encouragement.
The Information is Collected from USA Today and Yahoo.
