'Bachelorette' Star Katie Thurston on Breast Cancer: "You're on Survival Mode"
Katie Thurston, 34, the beloved star of The Bachelorette season 17, recently revealed that her breast cancer has likely progressed to stage 4.
On March 24, 2025, Katie shared the news with her fans, explaining that doctors found two liver lesions, suggesting that the cancer has metastasized. While she is awaiting biopsy results to confirm the diagnosis, Thurston stated that the liver involvement likely indicates the cancer has reached stage 4.
Initial Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Thurston was initially diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in February 2025. At the time of her diagnosis, she immediately began chemotherapy in an effort to shrink the tumor before undergoing surgery for removal.
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Chemotherapy, although effective, has been physically demanding for the reality TV star. Katie has openly shared her struggles with fatigue, nausea, and pain during treatment, but she remains optimistic and committed to fighting her cancer.
The Impact of Stage 4 Cancer and Metastasis
For many, a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis represents a more challenging phase of the disease. Metastatic breast cancer means that the cancer has spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body—in Thurston's case, the liver.
This spread is often associated with more complicated treatment options, and patients may need ongoing therapy to manage the cancer's progression. Although the biopsy results are still pending, Katie Thurston's diagnosis likely signals a transition to stage 4, which is a significant development in her cancer journey.
Katie Thurston's Support System and Ongoing Battle
Throughout her cancer battle, Katie Thurston has been supported by her loving husband, comedian Jeff Arcuri.
Jeff Arcuri and Katie Thurston (@thekatiethurston Instagram)
Katie Thurston finished her time as the lead on The Bachelorette during the finale of Season 17, which aired on August 9, 2021. She ended the season engaged to Blake Moynes, though they later broke up in October 2021.
In May 2024, Thurston met her current husband, comedian Jeff Arcuri. The couple began dating shortly after meeting, and despite the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis, they married on March 22, 2025.
Katie shared that Jeff proposed to her at Secret Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, on August 26, 2024. They announced their engagement in September 2024, stating, "When you know you know."
