Sarah Eaves went to hospital when her nipples became inverted and started bleeding. She knew something was seriously wrong, and her worst fears were confirmed after a lumpectomy. Sarah had a mastectomy in December and started chemotherapy in March this year (2026). Having always been fit and healthy, she went into her treatment feeling strong and positive. Now aged 70, she runs and swims most days, and although she is still undergoing treatment on her local mobile cancer care unit, she describes how she has incorporated it into her normal routine and what a difference it has made to her life being able to have her treatment closer to home.
“I needed 15 rounds of chemotherapy after my mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, which originally took place at the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital, around 30 miles away from where I live.
But after the first three sessions, the staff at the hospital asked if I would like to continue my treatment on the mobile unit which comes to Beccles, just 12 miles from my home.
I jumped at the chance as it used to take a good hour to get to my hospital appointments. My partner had to come with me because I couldn’t drive myself after chemotherapy.
There are always roadworks on that route, so we had to allow loads of extra time before setting off. It was all pretty stressful and not what you need when you are not feeling brilliant.
When we did arrive, more often than not my partner would drop me at the entrance and then spend ages driving around trying to find somewhere to park the car.
Sarah visits her local mobile cancer care unit ‘Amara’, pictured here with driver, Mark.
There’s no doubt in my mind they do an extremely good job at the hospital; they really do, but my heart used to sink a bit every time I arrived to find a room full of people. I just knew I was in for a very long wait.
I have now finished chemo and am having infusions on the mobile unit. It’s just such a different experience on there. It only takes 25 minutes to get there, and there’s never a problem parking.
The mobile unit makes it easier to get on with your day-to-day life, and it’s a win-win for my partner too, as there’s a fishing tackle shop nearby which he loves to mooch around in while I am having my treatment.
Patients always get a cheery greeting from Mark, the driver on the unit who somehow seems to not only remember everyone’s name but also how many sugars they take in their tea.
If it’s raining and they are running a bit late, which doesn’t happen very often, he will suggest we stay in the car, and then he comes to get us when a seat becomes free. He really does make it a pleasant experience despite the circumstances.
“I needed 15 rounds of chemotherapy after my mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, which originally took place at the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital, around 30 miles away from where I live.
But after the first three sessions, the staff at the hospital asked if I would like to continue my treatment on the mobile unit which comes to Beccles, just 12 miles from my home.
I jumped at the chance as it used to take a good hour to get to my hospital appointments. My partner had to come with me because I couldn’t drive myself after chemotherapy.
There are always roadworks on that route, so we had to allow loads of extra time before setting off. It was all pretty stressful and not what you need when you are not feeling brilliant.
When we did arrive, more often than not my partner would drop me at the entrance and then spend ages driving around trying to find somewhere to park the car.
There’s no doubt in my mind they do an extremely good job at the hospital; they really do, but my heart used to sink a bit every time I arrived to find a room full of people. I just knew I was in for a very long wait.
I have now finished chemo and am having infusions on the mobile unit. It’s just such a different experience on there. It only takes 25 minutes to get there, and there’s never a problem parking.
The mobile unit makes it easier to get on with your day-to-day life, and it’s a win-win for my partner too, as there’s a fishing tackle shop nearby which he loves to mooch around in while I am having my treatment.
Patients always get a cheery greeting from Mark, the driver on the unit who somehow seems to not only remember everyone’s name but also how many sugars they take in their tea.
If it’s raining and they are running a bit late, which doesn’t happen very often, he will suggest we stay in the car, and then he comes to get us when a seat becomes free. He really does make it a pleasant experience despite the circumstances.
Sarah visits her local mobile cancer care unit ‘Amara’, pictured here with driver, Mark.
The nurses all work on a rota, so you get to recognise the same faces after a while. It’s very much the personal touch which makes such a difference.
I have discovered people from my village that I didn’t know before who are also patients on the mobile unit. I found out we were living in the same place just from chatting at my appointments.
Really the treatment is just the same as what you would get at the hospital. I have never felt worried. I know I am in really good hands.
It sounds odd to say, but It’s a pleasant experience on the mobile unit. You get to talk to other people going through similar things. Sometimes we have a real giggle. The nurses are really good at reading the room. They can see what sort of people they have in on any particular day, and they can tell when they are up for a bit of a laugh and a chat.”
