Katie Thurston has shared how the recent death of Ananda Lewis has deeply affected her own struggle with Stage 4 breast cancer. The 34-year-old former star of “The Bachelorette” opened up on her Boobie Broadcast channel over the weekend, revealing that Lewis’ passing left her feeling “spiraling.”
Lewis, a renowned MTV video jockey in the 1990s and later a talk show host, succumbed to Stage 4 breast cancer earlier this month at the age of 52 after a prolonged battle.
“Currently more accepting about my diagnosis,” Thurston stated on Saturday. “Although the passing of fellow sister Ananda Lewis had me spiraling for a day.” She noted that staying busy and distracting her mind has helped her cope significantly.
In October 2020, Lewis announced her diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer via an Instagram video, having avoided regular mammograms out of concern over radiation. In October 2024, she disclosed on CNN that her cancer had metastasized and progressed to Stage 4. Despite her doctor’s advice, Lewis chose not to undergo a double mastectomy, opting instead to attempt a holistic approach to her health.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” Lewis told CNN anchor Sara Sidner at the time. She later expressed regret about her decision to retain her tumor, stating, “I wish I could go back. It’s important for me to admit where I went wrong with this.”
Thurston has made it clear that she plans to approach her breast cancer journey differently, expressing a strong desire to have her tumor removed as soon as possible. “A holistic approach takes such extreme discipline that I don’t even have,” Thurston explained. “I have made lifestyle changes (and working on more), but while pairing with my medications.”
She added, “I think that’s what scares me about mine – it’s still in me too. I can’t wait to get a double mastectomy.” Thurston first disclosed her Stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis in February and later revealed that it had progressed to Stage 4, having spread to her liver, just five days after her wedding to comedian Jeff Arcuri in March.
In a poignant update, Thurston shared the challenging reality of her condition, mentioning hair loss and memory issues following two months of treatment. “But right now, after finishing two months of my medication, my hair is coming out in an unnatural amount of clumps,” she said. “I’m losing my memory.”
“Cancer is s–t,” she added, reflecting on the emotional turmoil she faces. “Sometimes I’m like, ‘Stop feeling bad for yourself.’ Other times I’m like, ‘You’re allowed to feel bad for yourself. Cancer f–king sucks.'”