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Here is the latest update I posted on my journal this morning where I have announced (very reluctantly) the Chordoma Cancer Fund set up for me...and include other info about my condition.

Last couple of days have been pretty hard. God bless every single one of you for your prayers, your encouragement, your faith...and your help. I cannot tell you or express how much it means.

22nd Entry March 19th, 2010, 9:00 AM

Our journey and fight continues.

I was very reluctant to consider setting up a Fund for donations to us. I felt that we could probably handle this oursleves financially. With good insurance and with people being so generous to us with the leave share program at work (see entry 20 in this journal), As a result of that, at the rate people are donating, if it xontinues it looks like we will be able to continue on leave through most, if not all of our time in Hoston for the surgery, recovery and rehabilitation. That amounts to almost four months of time. I cannot express my gratitude for the people who are donating there...they have been a literal answer to prayer and their compassion and generoisty, and Christ-like help are beyond my ability to thank in words.

Financially, we were in a position to handle a few hundred extra a month to cover living expenses in Houston while we continue to make our mortgage and other expense payments in Idaho.

But then we found what out it would actually cost to get anything close to MD Anderson (which the medical team recommends) that would have adequate security, particularly while Gail was alone when I was in the hospital. I looked at many corporate, short term to medium term rentals, and anything in our affordablity range of up to 900 a month, had comments in the realty review areas from other medical patients that were very disheartening and not something I could have Gail alone at. so, the cost had to increase by two and three times in order to find anything we could be comfortable with in terms of simple security.

In addition, my rehab is going to be a major issue and the details of it for me personally, dealing with learning to use my bladder and bowels adain in the condition I will be in, was not something we felt at all comfortable with putting on someone else in their home if we could avoid it. This also has impact oin the type of living space we could use once I was released from the hospital.

So, after many requests from friends on facebook, freerepublic, email, and other avenues, and after gentle encouragement and advise, we have set up a fund to try and help cover these expenses. We humbly ask, if anyone is in a positon to do so...and particularly if it will create no hardship on you and yours, to please consider any donation to:

THE JEFF HEAD CHORDOMA CANCER FUND

It has been set-up to allow donations through PayPal, Credit Cards, or by Check mailed into our bank where the fund is being maintained.

This is extremely humbling. I can only thank people from the bottom of my heart for their willingness to help us, and their compassion and show of Christ-like love. I do not have words and it literally brings tears to my eyes when I consider it. I look forward to the time, if I can survive this and recover, when we are once again in a position to help others as we have been helped.

As to my own progress and condition. As anyone who has either experienced this type of medical condition, or had friends or loved ones who have...there are good days and not so good days.

The last couple of days have been "not so good." I do not know if it is the pain meds, are just my generally deteriorating condition while under their influence, but I am fighting hard to get through the next three weeks when we can leave for Houston, and then the following ten days until we can get into the hospital and undergo the procedures that will give me a medical chance to halt this and recover from it as best as I am able.

I know the Drs are doing all they can to prepare for that. I know I am doing all I can. My wife has been an angel and is doing more than I could ever imagine in preparation and in her help to me. I know my family and friends are doing all they can and I am humbled by it.

The rest is in the hands of a merciful Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ and their will. I pray I can always be a good and strong witnes for their will and for salvation in Christ Jesus.

Sincerely and in Christ,

Jeff