In our thoughts. 

Bachelor Nation fans first met Katie Thurston on Season 25 of “The Bachelor” and she returned to our screens for Season 17 of “The Bachelorette.”

Katie has been keeping fans updated with her life on social media, and this week, she took to Instagram to share the news that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  

“Life update: I have breast cancer,” Katie wrote alongside a black and white photo of herself. “My Vday was spent coordinating a place to live as I have to go back to LA for more testing and treatment. I used my morning to figure out insurance for NYC and laws on preexisting conditions. I scheduled appointments for another biopsy, fertility, mental health, surgery, as well as meeting with my team to discuss the overall treatment plan, which will include chemo.”

Katie shared that reading other women’s stories about having breast cancer has helped her accept her new reality and plans to do the same for others. So, she took to her Instagram Story to answer questions from followers about her diagnosis. 

In response to a question about what stage of breast cancer Katie has and if she has the BRCA gene, she replied, “Waiting on learning what stage. Getting another biopsy on my lymph node which will tell me more. I once did a 23andme and was informed I did not have the BRCA gene. I’ll be doing updated genetic testing soon to know for sure. My family doesn’t have a history of breast cancer.” 

Another person then asked Katie what her symptoms were and how she found out. 

She said, “I had a small lump in my breast, around the 10’oclock spot. I discovered it myself. Thought maybe it was my period. Maybe it was muscle soreness from working out. But eventually this lump never went away. I once had a benign cyst removed from that same breast and thought maybe it was that again…I went in for a breast ultrasound. Afterwards they sent me to get my first mammogram. And then I had to get multiple biopsies taken and sent off for testing to confirm.” 

Someone then inquired about Katie’s treatment plan and if she’s going to have chemo or a mastectomy, to which she replied she will have both.

“Yes to both,” she stated. “Not sure on the order yet. My fertility will be impacted by chemo so I have an appt with my fertility doctor to preserve my eggs.” 

Katie was then asked about how she can be supported right now, and she answered that sharing her news has been a huge help. 

“Sharing with you was already the most helpful thing at this time. The secret of pretending I’m OK when I’m not,” she said.