From Wedding Plan To Fight Cancer? Katie Thurston’s Brave Journey!
Former Bachelorette star, Katie Thurston, is bravely sharing her journey after being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at just 34 years old. In an emotional interview on Good Morning America, Thurston revealed the shock and devastation she felt upon hearing the news and how it completely changed her life.
The Start of Her Journey: A Small Lump
Thurston’s cancer journey began when she noticed a small lump on one of her breasts. Like many women, she initially brushed it off. “When I felt my lump, it was sore, and as women, we’re used to being told, ‘Oh, it’s probably just your time of the month,'” Thurston shared. “I brushed it off for a while.”
However, after some time, Thurston decided to visit her doctor, which led to a life-changing diagnosis. She was told she had Stage 3 triple positive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer where the tumor cells have estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors.
A Harsh Reality: Chemotherapy and Survival Mode
Receiving the diagnosis was a complete shock to Thurston, especially as a 34-year-old woman. “You’re so devastated. It’s so shocking. You’re just not prepared,” she explained. The news meant that she would need chemotherapy before her cancerous tumor could be removed.
Thurston described the experience of entering the world of cancer treatment as being thrust into “survival mode.” She explained, “You don’t have a choice—you show up, or you die.” Every day was a new appointment, a new challenge, and she quickly learned that surviving required relentless determination.
Plans Changed: Facing the Future with Courage
Thurston’s diagnosis came just a few months after she got engaged to comedian Jeff Acuri. Instead of planning a wedding, the couple was now focused on navigating her cancer treatment. “We thought we’d be planning a wedding. We thought we’d be trying for a baby,” Thurston shared. “Instead, we know that this year is really dedicated to just treatment and getting better.”
In the midst of her treatment, Thurston and Acuri made the decision to harvest her eggs, taking proactive steps to ensure they could have children in the future, should they decide to. However, Thurston also made it clear that while they were hopeful, they were also okay if those plans didn’t work out. “We’re also okay being a childless couple if things don’t work out with IVF or if chemo impacts me negatively,” she said.
A Message of Hope: Be Proactive About Breast Health
Thurston shared her diagnosis with the world in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 15, where she found support and hope in the stories of other women battling breast cancer. Now, she hopes to inspire others to be proactive with their health. “The biggest takeaway is telling people, ‘Don’t wait,’” she emphasized. “Get checked out. You could be doing yourself a favor in the future.”
Her story highlights the importance of early detection and being aware of your body. For women with an average risk of breast cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends starting mammograms at age 40, then getting screened every two years until age 74. Women with dense breasts or other risk factors may need additional screening, like ultrasound or MRI.
What You Should Watch For
In addition to regular screenings, it’s important for women to be aware of changes in their bodies. New lumps, skin changes, or unusual nipple discharge can be signs of breast cancer and should be checked by a doctor.
Katie Thurston’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to your body and taking action. By sharing her experience, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their breast health and take control of their future.
