babygirl,
I have two small children, 6 and 4. I just told them that mommy had a sore in her mouth that the Dr had to take out because it wasn't getting well on its own. The second time I had surgery My 6 year old understood better than my 4 year old because had his tonsils out. My 4 year old didn't really understand a whole lot, but enough that he is always telling people that I had surgery on my mouth. We have not used the C word with them and probably won't. They just know that mommy is going to have a hard time talking for a little bit. My 4 year is constantly coming to kiss me on the cheek to make me feel better. Just makes me want to cry.