Having cancer is difficult enough. Having it while your children are small is simply not fair. BUT, it's doable and I'm proof of that.

My children, I have 7, were ages 9,11,12,17,18,20,22 when I was diagnosed and my two grandaughters, who we see daily, were 3 and 4.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to take the cues from your kids, don't second guess everything, they will give you all the clues you need.

Second, this is a fantastic opportunity for your husband to become a better father by being a "mother" for a few months. My husband will tell you that he's much closer to his children because of this cancer and the hands on role it put him in temporarily. Lean on your husband.

Third, their fears are huge, in particular the older ones. Don't fool yourself on that. But, YOUR fears FOR them are bigger and it is those fears that will eat at you. The thought of leaving our children puts our minds in a fragile place. You will be more fearful then they will.

Fourth, maintain as much a normal life as possible. If they play on a team, keep that going. Lessons, keep them up. Don't let life shut down around you, the normalcy is like air to them.

Fifth, Be honest and don't make any false promises to them. My 12 year old asking me if I was going to die was rough, but I didn't lie to her about it. Told her I might but I was going to do everything I could to stay here with her. That was enough for her.

Last but not least, keep in mind that even WITHOUT cancer, life with a house full of young kids is CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY.........don't let the cancer rule you nor define you.

Minnie