Bachelorette alum Katie Thurston, who made a splash during her season for being ‘sex positive,’ shared a ‘life update’ on Instagram on Saturday.
The Washington native, 34, first joined Bachelor Nation during Matt James’ season of The Bachelor in 2021.
She then went on to become the Bachelorette later that year. Since then, she’s launched a comedy career and gotten engaged to comedian Jeff Acuri.
But before planning her wedding, she will be dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis.
‘Life update: I have breast cancer,’ her post began.
‘Yesterday I saw all the couples post their Valentine’s Day celebrations. I felt envious, if I’m being honest. Jeff took me to Hawaii, and afterward, we were going to travel the world before planting roots together in NYC finally.’
Bachelorette alum Katie Thurston, who made a splash during her season for being ‘sex positive’ shared a ‘life update’ on Instagram on Saturday
The Washington native, 34, made her entrance to Bachelor Nation during Matt James’ season of The Bachelor in 2021; (pictured 2022)
She wrote that instead of celebrating the romantic holiday with her fiancé, she was trying to find a place to live in Los Angeles where she would be going through testing and treatment for her cancer.
‘I used my morning to figure out insurance for NYC and laws on preexisting conditions,’ Katie explained.
‘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.’
Katie went on to reveal the range of emotions she’s experienced since she got her diagnosis two weeks ago.
‘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.’
While she begins treatment, Arcuri will be performing a series of shows in Australia without her.
Katie continued: ‘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.’
She then went on to become the Bachelorette the same year. Since then, she’s launched a comedy career and gotten engaged to comedian Jeff Acuri
But before she plans her wedding she will be dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis. Seen here in 2023
‘Life update: I have breast cancer,’ her post began. ‘Yesterday I saw all the couples post their Valentines Day celebrations. I felt envious if I’m being honest’
She concluded her gut wrenching post with a tribute to her future husband, writing that she’d ‘saved the best for last.’
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.’
In a Saturday Instagram Story, Thurston also shared that she’s ‘waiting to find out what stage’ she’s in and plans to undergo another biopsy for more details.
Her comments section was flooded with good wishes and love from Bachelor Nation stars.
Kaitlyn Bristowe wrote, ‘Katie omg I love you please can I do anything for you? I’m texting you now
Clare Crawley offered support, writing, ‘I’m so sorry Katie, you are a warrior of a woman and I’m sending you a big hug and so many prayers for your strength. ❤️ here for you always.’
Ashley Iaconetti chimed in, ‘I am so so sorry, Katie. Thinking of you and praying for you. You’re going to feel better before you know it! You are a tough chick who’s gonna kick cancer’s ass and help a lot of people along the way.’
Jo Jo Fletcher wrote, ‘I’m so so sorry, Sending you love and prayers Katie ❤️, while Jen Tran said, ‘Love you❤️❤️❤️ you’re one of the strongest people I know!! Sending so much love to you❤️’
Emily Maynard also commented, ‘I’m so sorry. Im praying for you and your husband ❤️ You’re going to be such a blessing to so many other women through this. Sending you so much love!
‘Jeff took me to Hawaii and after, we were going to travel the world before planting roots together in NYC finally’
She wrote that instead of celebrating the romantic holiday with her fiancé, she was trying to find a place to live in L.A. where she would be going through testing and treatment
The official Bachelor Nation account also offered support, writing, ‘We’re sending you so much love Katie.
And, a handful men from her season of the Bachelorette offered their good wishes with Mikey Planeta penning a lengthy comment to Katie.
‘Praying for Gods healing all throughout your body. Praying that God gives the doctors the wisdom to target exactly where the cancer is and to administer the treatment needed without any complications.
‘Praying for your mind and peace, that each day you’re filled with strength and courage. Praying you know how loved and supported you are by everyone in your circle.
‘You have the fighter spirit in you and you are going to beat this! Do not hesitate to reach out to any of your friends, family or following, we are all here for you and you’re so loved!’
