Katie Thurston is continuing to face her cancer journey with honesty and strength, sharing a major update with fans this week.
The former “Bachelorette” star, 35, revealed on Wednesday, April 29 that she underwent a double mastectomy as part of her ongoing treatment for stage 4 breast cancer, which has spread to her liver.
Thurston Bravely Opened Up Prior to Surgery
Thurston has been documenting her experience through her “Boobie Broadcast” channel, offering raw and personal updates along the way.
“Today is surgery day! Thank you all for your support leading up to this. Your prayers, love, and positive energy have been the embrace I’ve needed over the last year,” she wrote ahead of the procedure. “I still can’t believe I’m at this moment. Surgery is 3 hours. I look forward to waking up on the other side of this!”
Her husband, Jeff Arcuri, kept followers informed as well, sharing a photo from the hospital. “This beautiful badass just went in for surgery for her double mastectomy,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories. “She is in amazing hands and spirits are HIGH. I’ll be updating everyone as soon as I can!”
Later, Arcuri confirmed that the operation was successful, writing that “everything went GREAT.”
Thurston also posted from her hospital bed, expressing gratitude for her husband’s support. She shared that he has “taken care of me so well” and will remain by her side throughout her recovery.
By Thursday, April 30, the couple revealed that Thurston had already been discharged, marking a hopeful step forward following the procedure.
Thurston Has Remained Positive
Despite her typically optimistic outlook, Thurston has been candid about the emotional weight of her diagnosis.
Ahead of surgery, she admitted that while she often stays positive, there are moments when the reality of her condition sets in.
Navigating breast cancer, she said, has been “the hardest chapter of my life.”
Thurston first publicly shared her diagnosis in February 2025.
Since then, she has continued to provide updates on her health, including marking the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis earlier this year.
At the time, she revealed that her latest scans showed her tumor was “stable.”
While stability can be encouraging, she acknowledged it brought mixed emotions. “It’s the first time in the year that my tumor hasn’t been shrinking…which had me kind of spiraling a little bit,” she said.
Even so, Thurston has remained focused on doing everything possible to fight the disease.
Speaking to People about her decision to undergo a double mastectomy, she explained, “I want to do everything I can to increase my chances.”
Her mindset has also been shaped by a deeply personal perspective on life and illness. “I refuse to call it a terminal illness,” she said. “No one is promised tomorrow. Why waste the days I’ve been given stressing about death?”
That outlook has resonated with many fans, who continue to rally around her with messages of encouragement and support.
As Thurston begins her recovery from surgery, her openness has not only documented her journey but also provided a source of strength and inspiration for others facing similar battles.
