Katie Thurston Opens Up About Stage 4 Cancer Struggles: “Every Day I’m Alive, I’m a Survivor”

Former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston is sharing an emotional and unfiltered update about her ongoing battle with stage 4 breast cancer

Katie Thurston, known from The Bachelorette, has opened up with an emotional and candid update about her journey with stage 4 breast cancer. On National Cancer Survivors Day (June 1), the 34-year-old shared a deeply personal video, revealing some of the most difficult aspects of her treatment—including memory loss and noticeable hair shedding.

“I’m starting to forget things,” she said in the video posted on Instagram, describing a situation where she struggled to recall her previous travel location while going through customs. “It’s not great,” she admitted. “My hair is falling out in big chunks. I’m just trying to be real about what’s happening.”

Thurston, who married comedian Jeff Arcuri in March after a whirlwind romance, also opened up about the emotional toll of her diagnosis

After tying the knot with comedian Jeff Arcuri in March, Katie spoke openly about the emotional weight that has come with her diagnosis. Initially told she had stage 3 breast cancer in early 2025, the disease has since spread to her liver. “Technically, I’ll be in treatment for life,” she explained. Despite the challenges, Katie holds on to hope as she explores innovative treatments, including a non-invasive liver therapy called histotripsy at NYU.

She also discussed setbacks in her current regimen. Hormonal therapy with Zoladex didn’t work as expected, bringing on complications such as the unexpected return of her menstrual cycle. Now, she’s switching to Lupron and considering a possible oophorectomy if needed—a major but potentially life-saving choice in her battle against hormone-sensitive cancer.

Beyond physical side effects, Thurston reflected on the mental and emotional battles cancer patients face

Katie also touched on the emotional and psychological hardships that often come with cancer. “Some days, I tell myself to stop feeling sorry,” she shared. “Other times, I remind myself it’s okay to feel sad. Cancer is hard.” Still, she finds strength in survival: “As long as I’m living, I’m surviving.”

Katie also continues to advocate for early detection and medical vigilance

An advocate for early diagnosis, Katie emphasized the importance of being proactive. In the summer of 2024, she found a lump but initially thought it was just muscle soreness from exercise. Later medical exams and a biopsy revealed a more serious condition. Now, she shares her experience to urge others to get screened. In a recent Good Morning America appearance, she urged viewers: “Don’t ignore it. Get checked. It could change your future.”

As she navigates her diagnosis, fertility challenges, and a newlywed life, Katie remains honest and inspiring in her message

While facing cancer, fertility struggles, and adjusting to newlywed life, Katie continues to stay honest and uplifting. “This is my truth, with nothing filtered,” she said. “With or without cancer, I’m choosing to live—fully, truthfully, and with as much strength as I can.”