Advice on Telling Kids

trying to remember but i think i didnt use the word cancer for about two weeks--i just wanted to adjust to diagnosis etc so i think i referred to lump being removed and i would let them know about procedures --ie today they are taking a sample of the tissue etc.  and i put some of my attention in resting and adjusting to the diagnosis and treatment without sharing all my thoughts ie 'today i saw myself in a coffin...' and fears etc.  i did find it helpful to speak freely to husband but we would often have conversaitons and then give a condensed version to the kids.  older women would demand that the kids helped out but really i wanted business as usual for them and thought they both have their lives, pressures etc on top of bc stress i didnt want them to have to cook/clean etc we did tell them diagnosis and treatment including 'breast cancer' but didnt rush into to be 'hopeful' or any real approach but told their schools and i know the youngest did nt have conversations with me about it a lot but spoke to friends, friends mothers etc i wouldnt take kids to radiation appts etc --if they asked i would but they didnt want to get too involved --i gave messages that i found helpful to me and gave them to them--probably got it all in surgery, radiation extra protection or treatment and now have to take medication --this all worked as other than some extra rest, a bit of time off work and not cooking for a few weeks...life continued as pretty much usual

best wishes