Hello,
I'll post a link to our spinal forum for you & I'll place a copy of your post over there so others can say hello, and offer help & info .

Spinal Disorders & Back Pain
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

The kids should be good helpers for you during recovery at that age, at least they aren't toddlers anymore....now that would be a big challenge.

I know of a teenager that had to have a 9 levels fused due to severe scoliosis, she did quite well. No grafts needs though.
approx 1.5 weeks in hospital
another 2 weeks or so before much activity at home.