A MUM who was left radioactive by cancer treatment is beaming with joy after being given the all clear to hug her children again.
Emma Day, 27, was unable to go near her family for almost two weeks because the treatment caused her to emit dangerous levels of radiation which could have caused them serious harm.
She underwent iodine treatment for thyroid cancer at Cheltenham General Hospital which saw her kept in isolation for three days, with only a landline and mobile phone for company.
Emma, from Cheltenham, was discharged on May 24, but had to keep at least two metres away from her husband, Jon, six-year-old daughter and one-year-old twin daughters.
Doctors told her the radiation would take three weeks to leave her body, but she has now been given the all clear.
She said: "It was amazing just being able to hug my children again. The week before had been really difficult.
"I was really surprised when the doctors told me I had the all clear, and I certainly didn't expect it to happen that quickly.
"They were a bit surprised themselves.
"I was really struggling with not being able to be near my children, and it was really emotional especially when the children were crying and I couldn't go to them."
Emma said she rushed home to cuddle her children as soon as doctors told her it was safe.
"People sometimes take their children for granted and just to be able to hug them again was a perfect moment," she added.
With only a mobile phone for company during the difficult days, more than 80 bloggers rallied around Emma, posting messages of support to encourage her.
She said: "My blog became therapy for me because I could share how I was feeling. They have been there to support me and to cheer me up, and I am very thankful for that.
"I have only met a few of them, but they were really encouraging during those days."
Emma will have a scan in six months to see whether she will have to undergo the treatment again, but for now she is determined to make the best of being close to her family.
She is an ambassador for childcare equipment company Cosatto and has worked with them to have an iPad installed in the isolation unit at the hospital.
She will also do the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in Cheltenham on July 7 to help raise funds for the charity. And, after overcoming leukaemia aged eight, she has applied to become an ambassador for the charity.
To support Emma's fundraising, go to www.raceforlifesponsorme. org/crazywithtwins.
