Bachelorette star Katie Thurston slams fake death hoax amid stage 4 cancer battle: ‘I feel helpless’

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Katie Thurston is speaking out after becoming the target of a cruel online death hoax.

The former star of “The Bachelorette,” who announced earlier this year that her breast cancer had progressed to stage four, used Instagram on Friday to correct false reports about her death.

Thurston, 34, shared a tearful video explaining that seeing the article again was deeply upsetting. “It really triggered me,” she said. “I tried to report it, but there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do. I just feel helpless and incredibly angry.”

Thurston said she had been limiting her social media use when she started getting a lot of messages from friends and family worried about a rumor that she had died.

She asked anyone at Facebook for advice, hoping someone could offer a suggestion.

The following day, the former reality TV star shared a humorous sponsored post for a company that makes coffins.

She playfully announced, ‘It’s me!’ and then joked about Facebook informing her loved ones of her passing. She finished the video by pretending to send ‘updates from heaven,’ saying, ‘Everything’s good up here, life is great!’

Since sharing her diagnosis, Thurston has been openly documenting the challenges she’s faced, both with her body and her feelings, as she goes through treatment.

She shared in June that she’d been experiencing memory loss, mentioning a time at customs where she couldn’t remember details about her recent trips.

In July, she happily announced some great news: scans showed her tumors were getting smaller! She shared the update on Instagram, saying she was incredibly relieved.

Jenna Thurston, who married comedian Jeff Arcuri in March, continues to openly share her experiences with her 1.1 million followers, determined to both raise awareness and manage her own challenges.

In March, she revealed her breast cancer had spread to her liver. 

Even though she received a frightening health diagnosis, Thurston remains hopeful because her cancer was detected early.

Hearing ‘stage four’ can be frightening, and it is a serious diagnosis. But I’m hopeful about my recovery because my cancer is a type that responds well to treatment, and the spots on my liver were found early and are small.

She also expressed feeling ‘very confident’ with her doctors and medical team. 

She shared that it’s been 43 days since her cancer diagnosis, and she still hasn’t started treatment. She explained that a lot of tests are needed before cancer treatment can begin, including checking if the cancer has spread. Sadly, she learned her cancer has metastasized, and she now has stage 4 breast cancer.

Thurston responded to fan questions on her Stories, sharing how she was feeling with a numerical breakdown. When asked how scared she was, she rated her feelings as: not scared at all (0), a little sad (7), some pain (5), very tired (10), and completely ready (100).

One fan asked the reality star whether she needs to have a mastectomy.

She said she’ll decide on the best course of action later, but currently leans towards a double mastectomy with reconstruction, which her insurance will cover. Her options for reconstruction include implants or using fat from another part of her body (DIEP flap).

Thurston also shared two photos of herself in a hospital bed. One featured a lengthy caption.

I was supposed to begin treatment today, but things have changed. I now have a meeting to discuss a concerning spot found on my liver during a recent scan. Immediately after, I’m going to CNN for another interview. I’m doing this because this issue needs more public attention.

She expressed concern about a troubling trend she’s seeing among young women, stating it’s unusual and that standard medical advice for breast cancer screening hasn’t changed. This means women are often diagnosed later than they should be.

When I discovered the lump last summer, I wish I’d known more young people were being diagnosed with breast cancer – I would have taken action sooner. Please, tell your loved ones – your sister, friends, colleagues, and partner – to be aware and check themselves.

Another fan asked, ‘What is the treatment plan for your liver?’

Thurston explained that his treatment plan is similar to how his breast cancer was initially approached. The cancer found in his liver isn’t a new cancer, but rather a spread from the original breast cancer. Therefore, his breast cancer is considered the primary issue and will be the main focus of treatment, starting with six rounds of chemotherapy.

A reporter asked her what she planned to do once she finished treatment – symbolized by ringing a bell, a tradition often used after completing chemotherapy or radiation.

‘Jeff and I are re-doing our trip to Maui and to the fullest. We were in Maui when I got the call and it really stole the trip from us,’ she replied.

Another person asked, ‘Who will go to appointments with you when hubby is back on tour?’

Thurston explained his initial treatment plan involves six sessions, each spaced three weeks apart. Each session requires a full day for travel, the infusion itself, and recovery time. He anticipates missing the first three sessions, but hopes to be able to travel to his location as soon as the next day if he feels well enough.

Reflecting on how this experience has changed her perspective on life and death, Thurston shared that she anticipates many future changes. Right now, she’s noticed who has reached out and who hasn’t, and has felt a mix of gratitude and disappointment.

Okay, so she said something *really* profound, and it totally hit me. Basically, she was like, not everyone is going to be with you forever, you know? Some people are just meant to be in your life for a little while, like a season. And you have to be grateful for the time you *did* have with them, and then… just keep going. It’s hard, but she’s so right! I keep replaying it in my head, honestly.

A few days prior Thurston told fans that her doctor discovered spots on her liver.

Thurston received a breast cancer diagnosis on February 13th after finding a painful lump, and she has no family history of the disease. She was originally set to start participating in the I-Spy breast cancer trial this Friday.

Thurston shared on Monday, in a private online group, that her liver biopsy is scheduled for Friday, the same day she was supposed to receive treatment.

I’m waiting for more information. It seems like the doctors are focusing more on the liver cancer than on positive outcomes, and this suggests my cancer is advanced – stage 4. I’m hoping to connect with my sisters who are also at stage 4 to hear about their experiences with quality of life and raising children.

The comedian’s breast cancer treatment plan involved a Zoladex injection to shrink tumors, followed by chemotherapy and surgery. However, doctors are waiting for the biopsy results before starting any treatment.

Thurston and the comedian met on Instagram a year ago and quickly fell in love. They got engaged after just five months and were married last Saturday in a small, private ceremony with their parents.

Thurston and Arcuri recently rescued a dog named Charlie from Best Friends New York, and they’ve begun IVF treatment at RMA of New York with hopes of starting a family.

Before focusing on breast cancer treatment, we spent two weeks undergoing IVF,” the Washington State resident shared with Us Weekly on Sunday.

Many women are unaware they can spend about ten days focusing on their reproductive health and planning for future families. In my case, we were able to collect 17 eggs, and from those, six developed into embryos.

Mr. Thurston shared that his partner has attended every appointment and received every injection related to their IVF treatment.

Thurston praised Jeff for being able to adapt to her mood and keep things fun and relaxed when she needs it.

The contestant said their wedding felt like a beautiful expression of her husband’s commitment to being with her ‘in sickness and in health,’ just as he’d promised.

He’s consistently demonstrating his commitment and continues to impress with his dedication and unexpected contributions.

Arcuri will be touring throughout the year, with a performance scheduled for April 3rd in Tennessee. He’s booked for shows all the way through October 23rd.

I remember when Rachel Thurston first appeared on Matt James’ season of *The Bachelor* back in 2021 – she really stood out! And then, amazingly, she got to be *The Bachelorette* herself! It was wild watching her journey with Blake Moynes, they dated for about six months, and then she explored things with John Hersey for another seven. I followed it all closely!

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2025-09-28 21:53