My name is Chantal Lafontaine from Ottawa, Ontario and I am almost a one year survivor ( January 2008).  I found a lump on my left breast in January 2006 during my my pregnancy.  I was in my third trimester.  I gave birth to my wonderful baby boy Nickolas on March 15, 2006.  My doctor thought the lump might be an inflamed milk gland.  I had a feeling since my mother was diagnosed and operated on for breast cancer over 18 years ago, that it was cancer.  She is still with us and cancer free!  I had a biopsy in April 2006.  My surgeon called me a week later to confirm it was breast cancer.  I had my lumpectomy on May 19, 2006, which was followed by 8 chemo treatments and 30 radiation sessions that lasted over the fall and winter.  My last treatment was January 2, 2007.

 I have been doing exremely well.  I am back at work.  My husband and I are enjoying our beautiful boy and living life to the fullest.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank my medical team.  It’s all because of them that I am here today.  Thank you to my family doctor, my surgeon, my oncologists and the many, many nurses and staff at the Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre.  What amazing people.  They have dedicated their lives to helping people just like me.

 I created Team Lafontaine this year for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.  There were a total of 11 in our group and we raised over $2,000.  My family and friends were so supportive when I was going through my experience and were all very generous in supporting our Team this year.  I had run the race a few years back in support of my mother and a few other women I had lost to this horrible disease.  I can’t wait for the run next year, my Team will be bigger and we will raise lots more for the Foundation to find a cure!

Thank you very much

Chantal Lafontaine