December 14, 2011
Day 44.
So far, so blessed. All is good. I only had one bump where I experienced some side effects. The past week was a bit rough since some of my medication needed adjustment and my magnesium level was too low. Every time I walked my feet would feel like fire (as if I was actually walking on fire) and my hands were ultra sensitive. The physicians had to adjust my meds and, once the levels settled in their acceptable range, (as of today) I was able to function normally again. PTL ! However, it was an incredible experience. Simple walking felt as if I was walking on fire. My feet were hot hot hot ! m, m, m … it gave me an idea of what one could expect if they missed the priceless salvation available to them. 🙂 John 3:16
While at MDA this week, I was asked if I would like to participate in a Bone Marrow Transplant research study. The study entails the participants to enlist for a year and to commit to taking one small Chemo shot a month for 12 months. As I mentioned in a previous blog, with a bone marrow transplant, there is a 60% chance for a complete healing, 20% for a relapse and 20% to expire. Apparently, this study is trying to prove that this treatment will minimize the 20% relapse. They will not have firm results before the end of the study. My initial reaction was “I am done with Chemo – no more – my body had it’s fair share – that’s it“. My second reaction was that, “in my opinion, the Lord has already healed me – so no more Chemo for me”. I currently do not have any blast (bad cells) in my blood. Not even an acceptable range. Still, I am praying for wisdom to see what the Lord wants me to do … I would appreciate your prayers too. According to the stats, there is a 20% that a bone marrow recipient might relapse by day 100. Any Godly thoughts?
I am praying that I will pass day 100 with flying Godly colors ! As usual, I appreciate your faithful prayers. We’re almost there!
In His Grip
Sami
Sami Lahoud 
God willing day 100 will come and go Samsoum with nothing but great news and no chemo nor pain… The Lord Almighty has already blessed you with a huge beautiful heart and an unbelievable faith. Hang in there my Brother, everything will be just fine.
I love you dearly habibi.
شو حلوي الصبحية معك يا سامي! كلا اخبار حلوي ومنيحة نشكر الله 🙂 كلو رح يكون تمام لأنو مرضك مش للموت بل لتمجيد اسم الرب، هللويا
xo and lots of bisous 🙂
Frank and I just found out. I just finished reading your blog. Don’t laugh, but did not realize that it was set up to go from newest updates to older ones. I started thinking Sami is getting worse. I prayed and then realized the dates were going backwards. I then went to the beginning. Love the update where Samir released you and the transplant proceeded. Laughed about the one where you lost your hair and you have an Italian nose not Lebanese. I cried while reading the one where your first words were “I love you Jaqueline”. You and the entire family are in our prayers. Once you have beaten this, have this blog made into a book and publish it. I know it will inspire others. It changed my life. Love Jodi
God is great! I pray for complete healing and trust the Lord to answer prayers. We will be praying for you every day at home, tomorrow at Grace Fellowship in Doha and if you agree, would like to add you to the prayer list for the prayer room at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy. This prayer room is staffed with volunteers from 6 AM to 10 PM daily and I use the website from Doha to learn about prayer needs and pray for people who request it.
You are an inspiration and I am sure that the Lord will use your experience in a wonderful way to further his Kingdom. I read several invitations to accept Christ as savior in your blogs. These were powerful sermons from your hospital room.
I cannot imagine how the next year of chemo might be for the new added treatment. I pray that the decision will be obvious as you be still and listen for the Lord’s advice. You may be saving other lives with the information gained from this experimental treatment.
God Bless you and your family
Frank Bondurant
الرب قادر ان يكمل الى التمام. يدرب الودعاء في الحق ويعلم الودعاء طرقه. كل سبل الرب رحمة وحق لحافظي عهده وشهاداته. عيناي دائماً الى الرب لأنه يخرج رجلي من الشبكة.. مزمور25 : 9-10
Habibi Sami,
If you agree to take the 12 month chemo shots, you will be OK and if you do not agree to take it, you will also be OK.
Because we know that you have not reached this stage neither by chemo nor by the power of its effect…You are standing at this stage because of the grace of GOD and mighty arm of the LORD.
Having said that, if you choose to take these 12 shots and be part of this study, there is nothing wrong with that. The LORD will be with you and give you all the needed support. We are free to use the available choices ahead of us… Unless the LORD tell us otherwise.
Remember that all medications that we all benefit from these days, were part of a study on somebody, sometime, somewhere in the world…
Sami, do whatever you feel is right… “GOD will make all things work for good for those who love the LORD” … Hallelujiaaaaaaaaaa… WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE BELONG TO..!!!
Day 100 is on the corner.
You’ll get there stronger then you was, Samsoum I am sure about this.
Love you
Said
أخي العزيز سامي
بعون الله وبقوته وبقدرته ستسترد كامل صحتك وعافيتك بأذنه تعالى
كن قويا وكن مؤمنا بلله العلي العظيم
لاتفكر لا بمئة يوم ولا بغيرها من الاشياء
فالله سبحانه وتعالى يطلب من عبده ان يتفاءل ويقول (تفائلو بالخير تجدوه)وستجد كل الخير
عليك يأخي العزيز التفكير بالمستقبل
والصلاة والدعاء لله عزوجل بمنه عليك بالشفاء والعافيه وتشكر الله وتحمده
وهو يقول في كتابه الكريم(لئن شكرتم لأزيدنكم)وأخيرا
تمنياتي لك بالشفاء العاجل وأن يتم الله عليك نعمته
أنه سميع مجيب الدعاء
Dear Sami,
We are praising God for your recovery and know Christ will continue to hold you in the palm of His hand. We will continue to pray for your recovery and God’s wisdom re: the chemo trial. I remember you visiting our son , Brooks, at MD when he had stage 4 lymphoma and the doctors had very little hope. He has just celebrated his 10th year in remission. Our God is great!! We are praying this same blessing for you.
Please give Jacqueline and the children my love. From our house to yours, a very blessed Christmas. In His Love, Melanie Wilson and Family
Almost 10 days have passed, and we are close to celebrating God’s wonderful gift. May you have peace in whatever you have decided to do…..and may you celebrate this season like never before..have a merry Christmas..