Former “Bachelorette” star Katie Thurston recently opened up about her plans for surrogacy amidst her ongoing battle with cancer. In a candid Instagram Q&A, she discussed her health considerations and the importance of family planning with her husband, Jeff Alkuri.

Surrogacy Considerations

Responding to a fan’s query about whether a doctor had recommended surrogacy for expanding their family, Thurston stated, “I don’t like the word ‘must do’ in medically relevant things.” She elaborated that she and Alkuri have recognized surrogacy as a probable option due to her health concerns.

Thurston emphasized the stigma surrounding celebrities who choose surrogacy, saying, “This is a friendly reminder to stop judging celebrities who pursue surrogacy. I don’t know what’s going on in their personal lives.”

Health Journey and Embryo Freezing

The reality TV personality shared insights on her recent health challenges, including her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis announced earlier this year, which has since progressed to stage 4 with metastasis to the liver. This prompted her decision to freeze embryos prior to chemotherapy, an action designed to protect her ovarian health.

“I basically protect my ovaries from chemotherapy to a temporary menopause (I like to say hibernation),” she explained, highlighting the importance of managing estrogen levels, especially for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients.

Optimism in the Face of Adversity

Despite the severe nature of her diagnosis, Thurston expressed a sense of optimism. She noted that the cancerous spots in her liver were identified early and affirmed her “triple positive” status, leading her to believe in a hopeful outcome. “Stage 4 can sound very scary, and that may be true,” she acknowledged, “but I’m ready.”

Recent Personal Milestones

Thurston married Jeff Alkuri in an intimate ceremony earlier this month, attended by only her parents. The wedding took place shortly before she was set to begin chemotherapy, marking a personal victory amid her health struggles.

Conclusion

Katie Thurston’s candid conversations about her journey reflect a broader issue of societal perceptions regarding surrogacy and the challenges of navigating health crises. As she continues to face her diagnosis, her story serves as an important reminder of the necessity for empathy and understanding in discussions about reproductive choices.