Katie Thurston, the bold and beloved star who won hearts as The Bachelorette, is navigating one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
The 34-year-old reality TV personality recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, a deeply emotional revelation that has stunned her fans and followers.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, Katie shared that her cancer has spread to her liver, initially leading doctors to prepare her for chemotherapy. However, just 24 hours before her treatment was scheduled to begin, new test results changed everything. Her cancer was identified as HER2-negative, opening the door to an alternative and more targeted treatment plan.
“Imagine you are 24 hours away from starting your first chemotherapy treatment,” Katie said in the video, visibly emotional. “You have a port installed, a chemo bag ready to go, and then you get a call from your doctor that says, ‘Hold on.’”
This change in diagnosis allowed Katie to avoid chemotherapy for now. Instead, she will begin a hormone-blocking therapy regimen. Her treatment plan includes Kisqali, a targeted oral therapy; Letrozole, an anti-estrogen pill; and Zoladex, a monthly injection that shuts down ovarian function to reduce estrogen levels.
Katie Thurston explained that this new approach offers a better quality of life with fewer side effects while still aggressively treating the cancer. She remains hopeful, but also realistic about the future.
“This doesn’t mean chemotherapy is off the table forever,” Katie clarified. “If this treatment stops working or the cancer starts to progress again, we’ll revisit chemo.”
Through her courage and openness, Katie continues to inspire fans. As she faces this personal battle, her strength, honesty, and willingness to share her story remind many why she was, and still is, a favorite in Bachelor Nation.