Hi Frederica...I struggled with subject too. I am American living in Australia for 3 years. I live here with my husband and 22 year old daughter. My parents are elderly (both in their mid 80's) and I worried about their reaction. My initial gut was to NOT tell them at all, however I was really worried with the use of social media these days that they would find out and that would be far worse. I put myself in their shoes and thought how I would feel if my child had cancer and I wasn't told, or worse yet that I found out from someone who heard about it from Facebook. So I decided to tell them. It was difficult but its done. They were upset but after numerous phone calls and asking other family members to help with with Skype and Facetime, they have been able to see me and be reassured that I am ok. We all just have to do what is best for ourselves.
Best of luck to you.