Breast cancer survivor stories

This month, the Southeast Missourian introduces you to local women who won the fight against breast cancer.

Geri Beussink, breast cancer survivor (Fred Lynch)

Geri Beussink

Age diagnosed with breast cancer: 48

Years battling breast cancer: 1 year

Years surviving: 1 year

The hardest part: "Definitely the chemotherapy. That was the hardest. I called it rat poison. Battling the side effects, but my doctors were awesome and my family, my friends and co-workers were awesome. I had great support."

Her advice for others: "Talk to other women who have been through it. A lot of women called me who had been through it. At first I wouldn't talk to anybody, but then I did. Those women gave me such great advice on everything from dealing with the side effects to the testing you have to go through."

Charlotte Kasten, breast cancer survivor (Fred Lynch)

Charlotte Kasten

Age diagnosed: 55

Years battling breast cancer: About one year.

Years surviving: Four years

The hardest part: "Coping with cancer. It really gets to you and takes you down. The word cancer is a terrible, terrible word."

Her advice for others: "Take one day at a time. Listen to your doctor. If they tell you to take chemo or radiation, do it because it will save your life. They have new techniques out there, and they will help you."