Claire Forbes was the senior director of corporate communications at a water regulator, Ofwat, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following nearly a year of treatment, Forbes describes her return to work. Though she thought she could bounce back to 'normal' she quickly realized there were some unexpected challenges.

The structure of her life had changed in that one year; instead of planning around doctors appointments, she found her return to work felt unpredictable and overwhelming, returning to sick leave after just three weeks back in the office. Luckily, Forbes' employer was supportive and together they worked on a communications system that allowed her to discuss with her supervisor and HR manager the support she would need to manage her return to work.

Now after a year back at work, she continues to meet regularly with the head of HR to check in on status. The company itself has learned to manage long term sickness absence by having open, straightforward and ongoing communications.

For more on Forbes' return to work and the support she received from her company, click here.