October 30, 2011 – – – Day 0; aka (pre- Stem Cell Birth Day)
I am done with the Chemo Therapy sessions that specifically targeted my bone marrow!!!! These harsh sessions were required for emptying my bone marrow and prepping it for day 1, when I will receive the donor’s Stem Cells. On day -5 they also started me on a special medication that would control the Graft-versus-host disease during the transplant process. In other words, it’s a special medication that would introduce peace among the cells inside my body so the Donor’s cells could establish themselves in my bone marrow (i.e. take over).
I will be honest with you. The Chemo Therapy sessions, although harsh, were obviously held back through all the prayers that are carrying me through this journey. From a high possibility of ending up with a huge list of nasty side effects, I had nausea for two days, with a controllable headache and some vomiting sessions here and there, yet, the fever, which was mostly feared by the doctors, or organ pain, etc… these heavy hitters were unable to touch me. It was obvious that I was being carried by the everlasting arms of the Lord and that He was in full control. I had His peace that surpasses all understanding … but also I have to be honest with you that I did not expect things to be so controlled and blessed compared with what could have gone wrong. I was left speechless with nothing but thanksgiving in my heart.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your faithful prayers. Tomorrow is day 1. The day when two total strange mafia cells will cross each other, inside my body, for the first time, and within 7 days only one, the donor’s, will remain standing. Please pray that it will go through so peacefully and so smoothly, in a miraculous way giving our Lord all the honor and glory.
In His Grip
Sami
Sami Lahoud 
Si, El es mi hermano. There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. We’ll be praying for you. In many languages. Jerome.
Sami,
It was so awesome to hear that the chemo went well, we pray that the next stage will be even smoother. We pray extra hard for the day 1 and are very sure that the donor cells will stand victorious :). You continue to make us happy with great news and, as usual, inspire us greatly with your posts! Drita and I look forward to your next update.
Albert
Dear sami, It is the Hand of God, what working on you and in you. God is taking you, Jaco and the whole wonderful family, through this journey because He needed the special agent for a very special mission. You are blessed and we can’t wait to see the end results of His glorious work in you. Miss you and the family around, but it seems we ‘ll enjoy your company again in the next couple of months. Fred and I send our love and continuous prayers especially tomorrow. By the way I love your ending phrase “In His Grip” we are always. Love you Sami.
Joanna
Your brothers and Sisters at our Church of the Nazarene in Jabal Amman have been praying fervently for your support and encouragement and giving thanks to our Lord for your miraculous journey.
Last night we prayed specifically for Today (Day 1). We have an overwhelming peace that He who have started a good work in you will follow it through till accomplishment in Jesus Mighty name! Fear will have NO window or crack to sneak or come through, as the Lord of lords, the Almighty God has sealed your soul with His protective shield. You will rejoice in the Lord. and He will continue to be glorified in this season of your life.
We love you, Sami 🙂
Looking forward to bring (Knafeh) to our next Sunday meeting 🙂
Rami & Yara and the saints in Jabal Amman Church of the Nazarene
الرب يكمل الى التمام
Habibi samsoum
couldn’t sleep last night .kept praying that the Lord will lift you on his arms today. I know He is in control .Praying that all goes well today. I was praying the last night and the Lord reminded fo the verse that says…… You havn’t asked yet… ask and you shall receive .. so I prayed again and agian…until I was reminded with another verse….”Because of her persistent prayers,her prayers were granted….. so that is what I did. I am trusting that today He will carry you throught the procedure
love you
Ya rab everything turns out to be ok. You are a strong man. I am praying for u
Dear cousin,
For what I remember from our childhood, when we were all gathered at Hamra or achrafieh, you were the “laughing Sami” to me, I still hear you laughs, don’t loose it ! I hope strongly that you will be able to eat next sunday your friend’s knéfé. Hoda, Saïd, Roueida and I continue to pray.
Love Jiji
you are in prayers on a daily basis god bless you evermore starting day zero which is today
Our prayers are in full throttle Samsoum.
Yalla, few more days!!!!
I can’t wait to see you habibi.
I love you.
We are praying for you this morning, Sami! May your body love your new stem cells and may God continued to be glorified through this!!! Praise God for His provision!
Sami – this is truly a Re-Birth – our prayers remain…
Dear Sami The love of Christ,his strength and his peace are always with you and will never leave your side.
My prayers are for you and your family. Love Martha
سامي
الله (جل جلاله) يرعاك ويحفظك ويشفيك بأذنه أنه سميع مجيب الدعاء
ويرجعك الى عائلتك وأهلك وكل أصدقائك مشافى معافى بأذنه تعالى
Sami habibi an addition Jiji s post we love you and looking forward to read you . We
Believe in you in your strength and your Faith
We pray The Lord from The bottom of our
Heart. Courage it is soon a happy ending.
Roudi
Dearest Sami,
I pray that today will be a great day for you. A day where you the presence the Lord as He wispers into your ears” I am here and in control. I am with you and will never leave you or forsake you. I love you my son and I will make all things well and right”
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. (Psalm 71:20 )
Love and peace with you