Glenda Wilcox, founder of the original Professional Weight Management, was persistent in getting regular mammograms and wasn't overly concerned when she had a bad mammogram eight years ago. “My fibrocystic breast disease made it more difficult to discover dangerous lumps. I always had cysts. I’d do self-exams in the shower regularly, and I’d often find lumps, sometimes two or three.”

The Women’s Clinic at Cox Hospital had just acquired a new test at the time. “When I went in for a mammogram, the doctor said I was a perfect candidate for this new machine,” she recalled. “They offered me the test free of charge if I’d agree to let the radiology staff observe as a teaching test. I said yes, and it’s a blessing that I did. They discovered I had breast cancer.”

The test was read at Cox Hospital before being sent to California to compare results. “Cox told me they thought I was fine.” she said. “I wasn’t. The results came back positive rather than negative. I was in my office when I got the call. I was still standing when my doctor said ‘Our readings were wrong and you have breast cancer.’ I was absolutely floored. I literally had to go home. I couldn’t focus. I went home and cried. I was scared to death. I said I wanted a second opinion and to explore my options. The second opinion was the same as the first.”

Reality set in when Glenda first went to the doctor and began to fill out the paperwork. “The hardest question was answering ‘why are you here?’ I had never actually seen it actually written down,” she said. “I had to write the word cancer.”

“The surgery, reconstruction and everything went wonderfully well. I was in great shape. My weight was good and I’d been exercising. I had no pain and was home from the hospital in three days. The fifth day I was back to work.”

Glenda put a daybed in her office for when she would need rest while at work. “I wanted to be busy,” she said. “I was blessed. I never went through depression. My husband was supportive and very loving. When we made the decision to do surgery, we both said it was not about my breast, but it was about my life. It’s a big decision to have your breast removed.”

Recovery has been sweet for Glenda, owner of Professional Weight Management. Helping others improve their health is a reason for her to fight for her own health. “Life is never the same after cancer. It makes you appreciate things more,” she said. “I have energy and I have no idea where it comes from. I have enthusiasm for my work and I never dread coming to the center. I love my clients and helping others.”

The biggest challenge Glenda faced through her ordeal was going through it with a friend who was also diagnosed. “She was my best friend, and we were diagnosed within 30 days of each other,” she said. “We promised each other we were going to get through and that we’d make it. She didn’t. That was a great disappointment, and for awhile, I found myself actually angry with her for not holding up her end of the bargain to get well.”

What drives Glenda now is the desire to help others. “At times I really feel like there’s a reason I made it because I was supposed to be doing what I’m doing now,” she said. At the time of her diagnosis, she and her husband owned a vinyl graphics business specializing in establishing business opportunities nationwide. “I love working with people. After surgery, I realized more than ever I need people and I need to help them.” That’s when she opened Professional Weight Management. “I’ve never been prejudiced against people who are overweight. Our clinic is not about appearance or vanity, it’s about self-confidence and good health. Most of my clients have a health issue like high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea. Obesity also can put you at risk for cancer. I’m here when they’re ready to make that change.”

Glenda always makes sure she asks each client the question, “Have you had your mammogram?” She knows personally that testing is vital, and early detection can save you life. It saved hers.

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