Former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston has recently provided an important update regarding her health after disclosing earlier this month that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the 34-year-old reality TV personality announced that, following a series of tests, it was confirmed that her breast cancer has unfortunately spread to her liver, placing her at stage four. Despite this daunting news, she noted that the lesions on her liver are relatively small.
In her video, Thurston addressed the common inquiries she has received about the delay in starting her treatment. She explained that it has been 43 days since her initial diagnosis, highlighting that the process involves extensive testing and preparation. “There is a lot of testing and prep that goes into cancer treatment,” she stated in her video caption.
Thurston elaborated on the various tests she underwent, including a CT scan, bone density scan, blood work, MRI, and a PET scan. She emphasized the significance of the PET scan, noting its ability to detect abnormalities that other tests may miss. “Unfortunately, in my case, it did detect some spots on my liver that were a little suspicious,” she said. This led to a liver biopsy to confirm if the cancer had metastasized.
Earlier this month, Thurston revealed to ABC News that her initial diagnosis was Stage 3 triple positive ductal carcinoma. This specific type of cancer is characterized by tumor cells that possess estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors on their surface, as defined by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. She became aware of her diagnosis in February, shortly after getting engaged to comedian Jeff Acuri.
In a touching update, Thurston also shared that she and Acuri tied the knot on March 22 during an intimate backyard ceremony at their home. In light of her diagnosis, she made the proactive decision to harvest her eggs, keeping in mind the possibility of starting a family in the future with Acuri.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Thurston expressed a hopeful outlook. “I know stage four can sound very scary, and it can be. However, given that I am triple positive and the spots on my liver are fairly small and detected early, I feel very optimistic about my outcome,” she shared confidently. She remarked on her trust in the medical team at Columbia, further emphasizing her commitment to staying positive throughout this journey.
In her ABC News interview, Thurston conveyed her desire to inspire others to prioritize their health by getting regular check-ups. “You could be doing yourself a favor in the future,” she urged, highlighting the importance of being proactive in health matters.
Katie Thurston's journey serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity and the critical importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment. Her story encourages others to remain vigilant about their health and seek the necessary screenings.
