In June 2004, at the age of 55, Penny had a mammogram that raised some questions about her right breast. Additional mammograms, including some with magnification, were inconclusive, so Penny went on with her life, enjoying retirement after working as an information systems analyst.

Then in December, during her annual gynecological exam, Penny's doctor found a lump in her right breast. A subsequent mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy confirmed that Penny had breast cancer.

"When I got the call from the surgeon, my husband and I both lost it," Penny said. "I thought I was dying. I felt like I had no control."

In March 2005, Penny underwent a double mastectomy. The surgery revealed that she had lobular breast carcinoma, which fortunately had not spread to her lymph nodes.

Penny had more treatment decisions to make, but struggled to understand exactly what type of breast cancer she had. Fortunately, a friend from Penny's Bible study group worked for Genomic Health^®. He explained that, because her tumor was classified as lymph-node negative and estrogen-receptor positive, she could use a test called Oncotype DX^® to determine the likelihood that her cancer would return.

Penny's doctor ordered the test. Her Recurrence Score^® result was a 13, indicating that there was a low risk that her breast cancer would return. Penny and her doctor decided that she did not need chemotherapy, and opted for radiation and hormonal therapy instead. Penny credits the test with putting her back in control of her disease and her life.

Today, Penny is cancer free and busier than ever, growing and selling produce at her local farmers' market, making wine with her husband, and looking after more than 70 animals that live on their land.