Hi, Sharlee,Since you know your kids' personalities best, I would suggest the following:#1. Tell them all that when you come home after surgery, you will need to have plenty of rest time. Remind them what they feel like when they have had the flu, bad cold, etc. Develop a signal- like raising your hand or a short sentance that means "O.K., it's Mom's quiet time now-goodbye for a little while. #2. Talk to your most responsible kids and ask them what household chore they could take over for you while you get well. #3. Establish a buddy system, starting at the oldest and assign each child some responsibility for a younger one's welfare. They could see this as a fun challange "taking care of my little bro or sis. When my husband was first diagnosed, our 14 yr. old grandson was living with us [and still is] and his question to me was "Is this life threatening?" [which rocked me a bit]. I told him that cancer is a very serious illness, but John's Docs would do everything they could to cure him and they had told us they thought a cure was possible. I also told him that John's impending surgery and further treatment would change our daily routine for some period of time and I was counting on his help. He stepped into handling the things he could, lawn mowing, weedeating, yard cleanup, getting the carts out on trash day, feeding the dogs, etc. I've also taught him how to do laundry & iron [mostly his stuff] and he is learning to cook. [When he gets married, his wife is gonna love me] Before Alex saw John [after 1st surgery] we told him about the staples in John's neck, the peg tube and the facial swelling. He handled John's appearence MUCH better than John's son did! [who was 36 at the time] I also hope you have other family members and friends to whom you can give meaningful assignments for the duration of your treatment. You really deserve to have the best chance at getting well and that means not having to worry about anyone but you, once you get started. I know that someone with 5 children is pretty much zoned into taking care of everybody else--but for a while now-- you really have got to take care of yourself. We are pulling for you. Amy in the Ozarks