What is Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia? All about Gerry Turner's rare form of cancer diagnosis

The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner revealed he was diagnosed with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia in a PEOPLE magazine interview published on December 11.

Mayo Clinic describes the condition as a "rare slow-growing cancer" that affects one’s blood cells. Though this type of cancer is incurable, treatment to help with the symptoms is available. WM occurs when genetic mutations alter certain blood cells, triggering a chain reaction that may lead to potentially life-threatening medical conditions.

The trigger to this genetic mutation is yet to be known, as Mayo Clinic states. Common symptoms of WM include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever, weakness, blurred vision, nosebleeds, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and enlarged liver.

The site further states that WM in the US affects 5 in one million people — mostly individuals aged 65 or older. Biological males are more prone to developing this cancer.

As Golden Bachelor's Gerry spoke to PEOPLE on a Zoom call, the 72-year-old started by addressing his recent split from Theresa Nist, 71. Gerry and Nist got engaged in the final episode of the show's first season. The two tied the knot in January 2024 but announced their divorce shortly after in April.

Gerry Turner told the outlet about a topic he hasn't yet disclosed, adding the revelation might provide fans with some clarity on what went down during the three months he was married to Nist. He said:

"As Theresa and I were trying very hard to find our lifestyle and where we were going to live and how we were going to make our life work, I was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer."

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Gerry Turner reveals how a shoulder injury led to his cancer diagnosis

Gerry Turner sustained a shoulder injury during a pickleball class three years ago, delaying a doctor's visit. When he finally consulted an orthopedic surgeon, unusual blood markers were identified. A follow-up with his family doctor led to an oncologist, who initially diagnosed him with a "blood disorder."

Turner, however, suspected it might be cancer. He was later diagnosed with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, an incurable condition that he said has influenced all his life decisions.

Describing what he felt after the diagnosis, Gerry said:

"It was like 10 tons of concrete were just dropped on me. And I was a bit in denial for a while, I didn't want to admit to it."

The Golden Bachelor star shared the "blood disorder" news with his then-wife Theresa Nist in February and had some additional tests done afterward. Those tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, confirmed the WM diagnosis.

Gerry sat down with Nist to explain the situation in March this year. He revealed it was difficult for him to have that conversation and the news left Theresa Nist "a little bit awestruck."

Despite the incurable cancer diagnosis, Gerry Turner hoped to continue a normal life as he decided to spend more time with his family — his daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters.