As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're learning about the personal journeys people in our area are taking. We followed a Thomasville women during the last weeks of her battle.

Teresa Clay is getting ready for a doctors' appointment, something she's done several times a week for the past two years in her battle against breast cancer.

"When you hear those words you have cancer, it turns your world inside out and upside down. Your whole body hurts from head to toe. You're swollen, bald and in unimaginable pain." says, Clay.

And she's not alone, health officials say Thomas County has one of the highest rates of cancer in the entire state of Georgia.

After I lost my breasts and hair I didn't feel like a woman." says, Clay. Plastic surgeon Louis Potyondy, M.D. of Thomasville says, "People underestimate the physiological impact of having a mastectomy. There are studies that show it increases suicide rates and depression. When women have reconstructive surgery, it starts to rebuild their confidence."

Dr. Potyondy says some women may not have the reconstructive surgery because they think they can't afford it. "Insurance companies are mandated by law to pay for reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy." says, Potyondy.

Even on tough days, she refused to give up. Clay says, "We all have an inner strength we're not aware of and when you need it, it will be there."

It's Monday October 19th and she's getting ready again; but this appointment is one she hoped and prayed she would be alive for. She won her battle with breast cancer and today she gets back something she had to give up. "Today is the day I get my boobies back! I'm going to be a woman again!" Clay says with laughter mixed with tears.

Now, she passes the baton of strength, courage and hope to millions of other women who are still running the race.