Former "Bachelorette" sensation Katie Thurston finds herself in a relentless "survival mode" as she valiantly battles Stage 3 breast cancer. During a poignant interview on "Good Morning America," Thurston unveiled the intricacies of her life post-diagnosis with Stage 3 triple-positive ductal carcinoma, which she received in February.
"You're thrust into this survival mode," she articulated, her voice laden with resolve. "It's not a choice; it's a necessity. You show up for your appointments, every single day, because not doing so isn't an option. It's as simple and harsh as life or death."
Reflecting on her journey, Thurston admitted to initially delaying medical attention after discovering a lump. Her heartfelt advice to others: "Don't wait."
"When I touched the lump, it was painful," she recounted. "As women, we're often dismissed with comments like, 'It's probably just your period,' or 'It's from exercising.' So, I dismissed it for a while before finally seeking professional help."
Thurston's tumor necessitated an initial round of chemotherapy to shrink it before surgical removal could take place. Receiving her cancer diagnosis was, in her words, "the worst feeling imaginable."
"You're utterly devastated," she confessed. "It's a numbing shock. As a 34-year-old woman, you're simply unprepared for such news."
Thurston made waves as the lead in season 17 of "The Bachelorette," where she chose Blake Moynes, who proposed to her. However, their engagement was short-lived, ending in October 2021. She has since moved on, becoming engaged to comedian Jeff Arcuri months prior to her cancer diagnosis.
"We envisioned planning a wedding and starting a family," Thurston shared. "Instead, this year is dedicated solely to treatment and recovery."
Rather than wedding bells, the couple has preemptively focused on family planning.
"We've taken proactive steps for our future and family," the former "Bachelorette" star elaborated. "But we're also okay with the possibility of being a childless couple, should IVF not work out or if chemotherapy negatively impacts my reproductive health."
Prior to her diagnosis, Thurston and Arcuri had plans to elope. Now, the reality TV star looks forward to planning a wedding with Arcuri, celebrating the beauty of life amidst her battle.
