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Katie Thurston, former star of The Bachelorette, is facing one of the most difficult battles of her life: cancer. In a candid and emotional reveal, Thurston shared that her diagnosis has led to a medically induced menopause — an unexpected and grueling side effect of her treatment. Known for her openness and strength on reality TV, Thurston is now using that same vulnerability to speak out about the harsh realities of navigating illness at a young age.

‘The Bachelorette’ star Katie Thurston opened up about undergoing medically induced menopause

Katie Thurston of The Bachelorette fame was initially diagnosed with stage 3 triple-positive breast cancer in February 2025. The diagnosis followed the discovery of a painful lump. She had initially dismissed it due to its soreness and her history of benign cysts. After seeking medical attention, she was informed that the tumor cells tested positive for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. This indicated a more aggressive form of cancer. In March 2025, Thurston received the news that her cancer had progressed to stage 4, with small spots detected on her liver.

As part of her treatment, Thurston is experiencing medically induced menopause due to the hormone-blocking therapy. She receives monthly injections that stop the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones crucial for reproductive health. On May 6, 2025, she posted to her Instagram Stories about the symptoms she experiences as a result of menopause.

“Slept like s*** because I’m now in medically induced menopause, which means I get hot flashes,” she said. “Tonight I have to be social, so I figured I would ease into that by being social with you guys during the day. In the meantime, show you kind of what a normal day looks like for me.”

Thurston also noted that her medication dehydrates her, so she’s constantly playing “this game of catch-up and trying to just make sure I get enough water, which I was already bad at before medication.”

Katie Thurston noted she’s ‘at risk for lymphedema’

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Katie Thurston revealed that her breast cancer has also impacted her lymph nodes.

“Another day, another doctor’s note summary,” she explained on her Boobie Broadcast channel, according to People. “My latest discovery via the notes is how many lymph nodes have been impacted. Based on my notes, 10+ impacted, which is high. I think radiation would be a must, as I assume we wouldn’t remove all the impacted lymph nodes.”

“That’s a lot and puts me at risk for lymphedema,” she continued, adding that she doesn’t know how many lymph nodes need removal. “Surgery is far out at this point still,” she wrote. “But still good to continue to build a list of questions to help aid my decision.

Lymphedema causes swelling that typically begins in the hands or arms. It typically occurs after removing lymph nodes and can occur months or years after treatment.

She previously opened up about her intense brain fog and fatigue

The Bachelorette star Katie Thurston previously got candid on her Boobie Broadcast channel about the grief and fear she feels as a cancer patient. She noted that she mainly deals with brain fog and fatigue. But she also fears dying and deals with medical trauma, loneliness, and depression.

“[Husband Jeff Arcuri] and I were playing Tetris the other day and he yelled, ‘Go right,’ and with full confidence I went left instead and was confused why he kept repeating the instructions,” she said, according to People. “It’s funny in the moment for us, but also internally, added to the list of things that make me feel like I’m deteriorating.”

“I think being alone is the hardest, if I had to pick something,” she added. “And that’s why I’m so thankful just to have this online community.”

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