In a heartbreaking update that shook Bachelor Nation, Katie Thurston has confirmed her breast cancer has advanced to stage 4. The former Bachelorette star took to Instagram to reveal that the cancer, originally found in her breast, has now spread to her liver.
“Unfortunately, after three days of waiting, I did find out today that my breast cancer has spread to the liver,” Katie shared with her followers. “It is fairly small, however, that does put me at stage four.”
Katie first announced her diagnosis on February 15. At the time, she was still undergoing testing and preparing to begin treatment. But a suspicious spot found on her liver during a PET scan changed everything. After a biopsy, the news was confirmed. In a somber but composed message to her subscribers, she wrote just two words: “Stage 4.”
Treatment Delayed, But Not Her Spirit: Katie Remains “Optimistic” About the Outcome
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Katie is holding strong. She explained that while the cancer has spread, the spot on her liver is small and was caught early-two things working in her favor.
“I know stage four can sound very scary, and it can be,” she admitted. “However, given that I am triple positive and the spots on my liver are fairly small and detected early, I feel very optimistic on my outcome.”
Katie will begin chemotherapy next Friday. She started her treatment in California. Now, she has moved to New York and transferred her care to Columbia University Medical Center. That’s where doctors performed the PET scan that ultimately revealed the liver spot. She added, “I’m very confident in the team at Columbia, and I just wanted to share that update.”
The move delayed her treatment, but also saved her life. In her own words, she explained, “They never did a PET scan in California. It wasn’t part of the initial testing.” That test was the one that revealed the advanced stage.
Katie’s Husband and Fans Shower Her With Love: “You’re the Strongest Woman I Know”
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming-and deeply emotional. Her husband, comedian Jeff Arcuri, whom she just married on March 22, commented, “You’re the strongest woman I know. We got this.”
Bachelor alum Kaitlyn Bristowe sent love and strength with her comment, “Never prayed harder.” Fans flooded the post with uplifting messages. Many came from those who survived stage 4 cancer or helped someone through it.
One follower encouraged, “Katie I’ve been stage 4 since 2018!! You will be fine. You have a great team behind you. This is not false positivity it’s the truth.” Another added, “Stage 4 is not a death sentence. I’m thriving and living as normal as before. You got this, ❤️❤️❤️”
One fan’s message stood out: “Someone told me it would be the hardest year of my life, but it will give me back the rest of my life 💞💪🏽 Your positivity will be the backbone of it all.”
Katie Thurston Isn’t Backing Down: “Your Strength Is So Inspiring”
While many in her position may retreat from the spotlight, Katie is doing the opposite. She’s choosing to share her journey in real-time, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire hope.
She’s staying in high spirits and showing others what grace and resilience look like in the face of adversity. Followers continue to praise her strength, with one writing, “Thanks for keeping us updated Katie!! Your strength through all of this is so inspiring. You are in my prayers daily, ❤️”
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