November 30th, 2011
Milestone #1. Day 30 is considered a key day. That is when they assess the state of the patient, how well they have fared post the transplant, which I was told I am doing exceptionally well, and … hm, hm, hm … conduct a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy (I don’t like it). A Bone Marrow Aspiration removes a small amount of bone marrow fluid and cells through a needle put into a bone (lower back area). A bone marrow biopsy removes bone with the marrow inside. Well, I had both today. The results should be out by early next week – (one of the tests is to determine if my old bone marrow or the donor’s are actually producing cells – hopefully it will be the donor’s).
The ENT doctor checked my tracheotomy and said that it was healing quite well. btw, a tracheotomy is an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to allow direct access to the breathing tube. The doctor expects mine to be completely healed within two weeks. He commented that under normal circumstances it would have taken 7 days to heal, however, since my whole system is still in recovery stage, it will take longer for my tracheotomy to heal.
The best news is that I have no sign of “blasts = bad cells” in my blood, my white blood cells have reached a normal range and my platelets are moving upward in the right direction by themselves (i.e. no need for transfusion).
On a different note, I was thinking today how far I have been … how many different valleys and furnaces I walked through, all in a very short period of time. … and it’s amazing how many loved ones, from all over the world, (including you) have walked with me, step by step, trying to feel what I felt, supporting me with faithful prayers and encouraging messages … and through it all, we have seen the Grip of the Lord, strongly holding me … answering prayers and turning this trial into a very blessed journey. It was amazing how He encouraged every one of us, in a very special way. What an awesome God we serve …
I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold – Psalm 18:-1-6
In His Grip,
Sami
Sami Lahoud 
Will continue to keep you in my prayers. Thankful that you were able to be home with your family at Thanksgiving! It has been an amazing journey for everyone following your progress. Stay strong and positive!
Praise The Lord ya Samsoum, beautiful news…
God willing, a week from now, you will hear more good news from your doctor habibi.
I can’t wait to see you, keep the positive attitude and that unbelievable strong FAITH.
I love you.
Amen!!!!!!
Sami – I have indeed seen the Grip of the Lord strongly holding You…
Hello dear Sami, my Thanksgiving comment did not make it. I hope this one does. Thanks be to God for all the good progress in your recovery. Hallelluea! Your being a man of great faith having this positive attitude about everything played a major role in this progress. Please say hello for me to Mrs. Lahoud the mother and take care of yourself. Your sister in Christ Eva
Hey Sami! I just recently heard about your struggle and wanted to reach out to you and tell you that you are in my prayers and I know that God is with you during this. I find comfort reading your blog and witnessing your faith through this. I want you to know that I have never forgotten you bringing me on board at work and letting me go when great opportunity presented itself for me. I have always and will continue to to think and speak highly of you my friend.
I will continue to track your recovery here and pray for you.
God Bless,
Chris Willmore
Hey Chris.. I too remember when you came in.. the very good ol’ days. I hope things are continuing to go well for you.
My beloved.. God is truly good to all of us. Allowing us to share your journey and blessing all the same. I know it’s been tough, the fire, valleys, and mountaintops.. You are well loved by many and I’m sure Jesus himself must smile as he watches over you. Like Job, when Satan buffeted him, God has a hedge about you, where he may touch your flesh and bones but your life has been spared.. your witness has been a testimony to hundreds, perhaps even thousands. May you continue steadfast and be holden in his grip!!!
yaaaayyyy…so good to hear all the good news. We are so happy as we have seen God in this painful journey. Truly all all have been touched by the quietness of your hearts and the amazing faith journey. May God bless you more and more in bringing His glory to life again among many.
Sami, We are so happy to hear of your progress! We pray for you and cheer you on daily from Dubai. It is no surprise that you are doing so well, we would expect nothing less from you. Your journey is an inspiration to us and I have shared your story many times with friends who applaud your strength and positive attitude. Know that the Bucks, even so far away, are by your side. We are all indeed in His grip. -Stephanie
Sami we are so happy to have these good
News and hope and pray to have more…
Keep your spirit Up, we are all praying for you.
With all our love and affection .
Roudi & family.
Grace be to the Lord.
أكون لهم إلهًا” … ( خر 29: 45) يا له من وعد يقف على رأس المواعيد التي ترفع النفس فوق كل ما يؤلمها ويضايقها”
اسكتي أيتها النفس المتألمة في نور إلهك واسبحي في محبته التي تسبيكِ وتملأ كيانك، وارتفعي بنظرك فوق ظروفك ومتاعبك لتري ما لكِ من امتياز عجيب، ومن أفراح لا يمكن التعبير عنها، نابعة من مصدر كل بركة، ومن إله كل نعمة، والواهب لكل عطية صالحة؛ من الرب الذي قال: «وأكون لهم إلهًا
Thanks to the Lord.
احمدوا الرب لانه صالح لان الى الابد رحمته
so so so happy to hear these good news. you are encouraging and inspiring all of us, thank u Lahoud family! 🙂 love u and miss u all so much.
This is wonderful news, Sami. I will share the good news with my friends who are praying for you. Diane
حبيبي وصديقي وأخي العزيز سامي
مسرور جدا لسماع هذه الأخبار الرائعه
ونطلب من الله سبحانه وتعالى أن يمن عليك الشفاء التام والصحه والعافيه ويبعد عنك وعن عائلتك كل شر ومكروه
(أنه سميع مجيب الداء)
سيمضي الوقت وسوف ترى النتائج الرائعه يوما بعد يوم
ونحمد الله العلي العظيم ونشكره لاستجابته لدعواتك ودعوات عائلتك واهلك واصدقاءك وجميع محبيك
ياربي ياربي ياربي تقبل منا صلواتنا وتقبل منا دعواتنا الى عبدك سامي ومن عليه بالصحه والعافيه
اللهم آمين يامجيب دعوة المضطرين ياحبيب قلوب الملايين يارب العالمين
Praise the lord for his goodness and faithfulness. great news and happy thanksgiving to all and as we wait to receive baby jesus this season I wish you all comment people and sami a happy season and let the ray of hope guide us all especially sami in your way of recovery
Sami,
Drita and I are thrilled of the great news and continue to pray that the new test results would come out fantastic as well! You continue to be an inspiration for all of us and we can’t wait to hear the good news on the results!
Drita & Albert
Hi Sami;
The whole family,all the relatives and friends in Ras Beirut are following your progress and we are all so thrilled and so happy that you getting better quickly.
Come Christmas, we hope you will be strong and energetic so that you can have a great Christams with the family.
Love from all of us to you and to all the family in Houston
Sami, Najwa, Shadi and Sana.
We praise the Lord with you and continue to lift you in prayers.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles… Isaiah 40:31
Love to you and the family
Ilham and Farid Abou-Rahme
Sami,
We pray for you to keep your stregnth and spirits up.
Robin Riley
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength….. Psalm 84
Amen
Sami,
We really, really miss you – this whole project just hasn’t been the same since you left. We’re still praying for you and we celebrate with you when we hear good news. Its amazing what the doctors are able to do.
You need to get to Basra soon – ping pong weather will only last another 4 months.
I love you brother.
Jeff