Former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston has revealed she’s battling breast cancer, sharing the news in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, February 16.
The 34-year-old, who led the dating show’s 17th season, may not have found love on television, but she’s since built a life with her fiancé, Jeff Arcuri. In her heartfelt post, she expressed gratitude for his unwavering support and opened up about the difficult journey ahead.
“Yesterday I saw all the couples post their Valentines Day celebrations,” the post began. “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.”
Thurston admitted she’s been navigating a wave of emotions in the two weeks since her diagnosis, but she’s also found strength and purpose. “One thing I did early on was search other stories like mine,” she continued. “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,” she concluded the post. “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.”
