It's A Lot with Abbie Chatfield BELLA JOHNSTON PART 1: Surviving Cancer, Medical Misogyny & Belle Gibson
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Aug 25, 2025 Bella Johnston, a cancer survivor and former Bachelor contestant, shares her harrowing journey through misdiagnosis and medical misogyny. She discusses her alarming experiences with chronic symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed and how this led to a late cancer diagnosis. Bella reflects on the influence of wellness fraudster Belle Gibson and the dangerous allure of alternative treatments. The conversation also touches on systemic issues in healthcare and the personal impacts of navigating such trauma, providing a compelling look at resilience and accountability.
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Years Of Misdiagnosis As An Eating Disorder
- Bella described years of involuntary vomiting, weight loss and bursting blood vessels in her eyes that began at age 14.
- Doctors repeatedly dismissed her symptoms as an eating disorder and suggested she 'just eat some cake.'
Regional Care Failures Before Diagnosis
- Bella detailed how chronic coughing, vomiting and low blood pressure were ignored for years in regional clinics.
- She says no scans were offered despite severe symptoms that later proved to be a large neck tumour.
Take Control Of Your Medical Appointments
- Bella now insists on owning her medical record, referrals and treatment decisions before trusting doctors.
- She advises prepare spreadsheets of symptoms and requested tests before medical visits to regain control.