my sister has vertigo, her condition was diagnosed as Minnere"s Syndrome,.  My spelling is probably off but it sounds like Min-ears.  please look it up. It took them several years before doctors were able to provide an diagnosis 

Two things: daily exfoiliation and daily sunscreen.  Each morning use  a gentle manual exfoliator, like a face scrub, preferably one in a cream base.  Stay away from natural, fruit scrubs like the apricot scrubs.  They are fine but you are going to be starting a daily regime.  Because the apricot scrub is made from grinding up the pit of the fruit each tiny granual is different some are even a bit jagged.  Again this is a great product for someone who only uses a face scrub once a week.  You will also need to invest in a good quality (not to be confused with pricey)  gentle chemical, such as an "astringent, or "clarifying lotion".  The key ingredient should be salicyllic acid.  These items need not be drying. In fact they will allow a dryer skin type to actually absorb and utilize moisterizer better.   Alcohol is present as an ingredient but it is SD alcohol 40, which is a fine cosmetic grade alcohol that yeilds beautiful results when used properly, that is on a clean face with a 100% cotton ball.  No synthethetic "cosmetic puffs"  you will not get a proper application and the liquid will just down your face rendering it useless.  So, understand you can erase this damage it means being diligent in your daily and nightly routine.  Nothing is hard, long or complicated but it is crucial that you understand this is a skincare issue so a onsistant skin care is key.  Wash your face day and night soap and water is fine as long as you are not using the soap to remove your mqakeup.  Remove make up first with whatever you chose (i like using face or even baby wipes), then wash, then apply toner.  (one with a clarifying agent such as salisyllic acid), moisterize if you need to.  In the AM since your skin is clean go ahead and apply your scrub.  Gently and thouroughly massage taking your time over the affected areas.  spend at least a minute or two exfoiliating dont just rub it on and rinse it off.   Shower, rinse moisterize, makeup etc.  but never ever leave the house with out  sunscreen.  Invest in something that is high SPF designed for the face so it is comfortable to wear.  A zinc oxide base makes an excellent make up primer make up goes on better and stays on but it is not my favorite if wearing alone.  Dont relay on foundations or face cream that has SPF built in.  Those are great but you need a seperate sunscreen.  If you choose to wear a moisterizer then apply sunscreen after lotion before make up.  Daily consistent exfoiliating and sunscreen will give you the amazing beautiful results you want.  It will take about three months depending but if you are consdistent and patient (you may experience soime outbreaks the first week because you are increasing the cell turnover which brings everything to the surface.)  You will get so many compliments.  Remember too that it is not those times where we bask in the sun that cause skin damage as well as the chloasma, or hyper pigmentation you are dealing with but the little incidental sunnings, like walking to the car, working in the garden, going in and out of buildins, stores etc, over and over year after year, the exposure adds up. 

Be clear and honest about having an illness.  This makes it possible for the children to recieve support, resources, education, spiritual guidence etc.  There is alot of amazing programs available for the children who have a serious illness.  (specifically terminal cancer.)  There are organizatiopns that provide everything from meals, to homework assistance, social gatherings with a chance to bond with children who are experiencining the same things.  There are even local groups that will provide simple tasks  (the ones that often are neglected when a parent is ill), like taking kids out for haircuts, school supplies clothes and shoes.   Unfortunately, all of the wonderful and helpful even fun resources these caring organizations provide nothing can ever properly prepare a child for the death of thier mother.  As far letting them know she is dying, the answer to that is easy: I would never be so arrogant to assume a time limit, or place any sort of time frame on my own  or anyone elses life.  A few doctors are still around who like to predict; "two weeks to live, six months to live, etc.", however you will find more and more doctors, especially the ones who have seen the wonderous effects of medicine and the even more powerful effects of prayer who today prefer to practice science and medicine, but will agree that some things you just need to leave up to God.  Including miracles.