March 23, 2012
I started my second Chemo treatment. Finished the first 7 days of IV and currently I am on day 5 of 14 for the pills. I am feeling great, as if there was nothing wrong with me. PTL. I do have some ups and downs, but nothing serious. When my blood counts are close to empty, I usually stop by MDA and get my tank refilled (PTL for all those blood and platelets donors) which puts my energy back on track within hours. I am amazed how I am still standing and strong through it all. All my vital signs are intact. PTL
One interesting fact is that the odds of a successful BMT have changed. I started on a 60% success rate path with almost no side effects. That path was too good to be true. I had a couple of serious bumps, but all in all, I was beating the odds and moving quickly towards full recovery. I actually saw the finish line, I felt it close to my hand, it was just a matter of grabbing it and voila I would be home free … but no … there were other plans in play (Proverbs 19:21). Just before I was getting ready to cross the finish line, my system relapsed. What a devastation you might think … yes it was, but did not last for long since I was being carried on the everlasting arms of the Lord (Deuteronomy 33:27).
You see, if everything went so smoothly, then the medical world would have received all the credit. However, my odds are now down to a 20%-30% success rate. The physicians are not as excited as they were before. Actually, they are unsure what to expect. I am within their circle of unknowns, which is an amazing feeling, since most of my questions go unanswered – (what an opportunity for a heavenly miracle).
All this reminded me of Gideon – The miraculous power that stems from nothing but weakness and pure faith. 60% was too much in my case – not needed – nah! – such a high percentage will get all the credit in the wrong places (are you with me?). He had to drop it by more than 50% and surround it with nothing but uncertainties … and then see who is still standing … well, I am … yes indeed I am still standing (Ephesians 6:13).
Thank you for your prayers, encouraging comments and emails. If I reach full remission with this Chemo treatment, then it’s BMT part two – this one will be much better … actually in 3D 🙂 Have your glasses ready – (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Still Standing Strong in His Mighty Grip
Sami
Sami Lahoud 
Sami,
There is no doubt in my mind that He is in control. I know I am ready to see the miracle He has prepared for you. 🙂 Thank you again for sharing this experience with us. Your faith in this storm is such a blessing to those of us who read it. You have a lot of prayer warriors out here.
Many blessings,
Trudi
Sami. Our daughter Grace was born with heart defects. We have been there near where you are. We have been at times where doctors did not want to talk to us because they have nothing to say. She has been through 4 open heart surgeries. We are near a stage now where the doctors do not know what to do!!! Yet our Redeemer Lives. For 12 years she is still alive by His mighty power. We look to her everyday with her blue lips and purple hands (because of lack of oxygen saturation in her body) and we realize his sufficient grace that is holding us every day. I can feel the sufficient grace of God in your life and what you are passing through. As we face the uncertainties of this life we should never forget that nothing can take the power of the Resurrection of Christ from our lives. We are with the Victor. Be sure that you are always in our prayers.
Sami, spring is here, and I found this quote very nice : “The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. ~Bern Williams”
So let’s pray and hope !
Love you cousin.
Dear Sami….as you know the Muslims pray “PRAY FOR RAIN” if they are in summer and no rain in someplace , so there was a group were walking to the place of prayer, one of them was carrying an umbrella while he was walking, suddenly he was asked by someone was walking with the group: “why are you carrying this umbrella?”, he answered: “because it will rain”, see the confidence, he was on trust it will rain after the prayer…..so I want to say stay on trust and confidence…Allah with you all the time because you are believer and a righteous man….I hope you to be OK INSHAALLAH…………
habibi samsoum..
how great was it to see you last week and spend some time with Jaco and you. You two blessed me and touched my soul with your amazing faith….. Isn’t it wonderful that our Lord is not a 50%, 20% or 10% God. When He does a job He only does it 100%….. Thank God He is the Great Physician… He is the only one that can promise perfection and complete healing regardless of the odds. I am praying and waiting for that day when He perfects His work in you, both physically and spiritually…. I know He is preparing you for a higher call…. You are already witnessing to million people each day…and this is only a taste of what God has in store for you my dear brother
love you and Jaco so very much and am lifting you in prayers so God can reveal His purpose for both of you
Stay standing mighty in His Grip as this is the safest place to be
love
Kim
Yes, everything is encouraging in spite of……Bon courage encore et encore…vous etes dans mes pensees et prieres tous les jours…Jaco me manque beaucoup…Please keep us informed as soon as possible…love u…xo
Sami, the journey is tough, but we know…….. you are safe in the Lord.
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you can hide.(I love this feeling).
His truth will be your shield and protection…
Thank you and Jacko and the family for the living testimony. What an honor!
and like…..part2 in 3D.. like….
When I was 7, we were told that our mother had 6 months to live. She lived another 21 years by the grace of God and with many prayers. God is using you in a mighty way my friend. God Bless You. Frank Bondurant
We are vacationing in Jordan next week and are delivering toys and clothes to the Palestinian refugees there. We have bought a building in Ma’in to develop in the House of Ruth Community Center. I am spending time every day planning jobs to change the house from a family home to God’s plan for it.
With faith as strong as yours!!! You will always stand tall… Miracles do happen, we all know it and we all believe in them, He will perform one on you, He is in control, and you are in His grip.
Stay strong, keep your faith, we all keep praying, and a happy ending is behind the corner.
PTL.
I love you Samsoum.
My Brother, I treasure your messages. You bring me closer to God, closer to everlasting truth, transistioning me from human to divine perspective. I will pray with you my brother. Chris
I love you Sammy. You are a true reflection of your master. You radiate a supernatural spirit and attitude that is only possible in Him. You are a source of encouragement and reassurance of God’s promises to his children as it manifest through you.
God doesn’t go with what is expected but His name is always glorified by beating the expected. Will continue to pray and trust in the all powerful our loving father
Peace with you
Hi Sami,
Prayer Changes Things
Worry Changes Nothing
Prayer is the most effective medicine against Illness,
and the most valuable gift to someone we care
So we pray for you always
Albi Samsoum, I love you and pray for you always. Your optimism warms my heart. You cannot believe what a shining example you have been to all of us. It is immaterial whether the odds are 60 or 30% because His will shall prevail. May the Great Healer lighten your burden and bless you always habibi. Mona
Sami,
My prayer for you today is that you would experience this wonderful truth each day: if we devote our energies to becoming what Christ wants us to be, He fills is with joy unspeakable and a peace surpassing what the world offers.
I love you brother.
Jeff
Hi Sami –
I have enjoyed your blog so much. Someone referred me to it 2 weeks ago when my dad was was diagnosed with AML. I read every one of your posts that night. He started chemo at MDA on Thursday 3/22. On Sunday 3/25 he began his stay in protective environment, expecting that will last several more weeks. My brother set up a blog for him and started it with an email he wrote in early March when he was first diagnosed with MDS. If interested you can find it at http://www.jeffmorris100.com. Like you, he believes that God is in control and he will tell you that although it takes some time to absorb each piece of news he has received he has never felt fear of this journey or the outcome. Only God can give you that peace! He is at MDA in G1271 if you ever get a chance to stop by and visit I am certain you two would enjoy each other. You can also reach me by email at mmthompson11@yahoo.com. Thank you so much for sharing your story and for the encouragement it provides.
Michelle
Hang in there Sami. We are praying for a full recovery. You are in good hands and you have a great attitude. I know you are weary, but keep up the march, when you reach the goal line, we will all be waiting for you.
Randy Hroch
“يا لعمق غنى الله وحكمته وعلمه! ما أبعد أحكامه عن الفحص وطرقه عن الاستقصاء” (رومية 11:33)
لم يستطع إبراهيم ان يفهم لماذا يطلب منه الله ذبح ابنه، ولكنه آمن، وقد رأى مجد الله في إعادة ابنه اليه حياً.
موسى لم يعرف لماذا ابقاه الله اربعين سنة في البرية، ولكنه وثق، وقد رأى مجد الله عندما دعاه ليخرج اسرائيل من العبودية.
يوسف لم يفهم قصد الله في قسوة إخوته عليه ، وفي افتراء امرأة شريرة عليه، وفي بقائه سنين طويلة متألماً بالظلم، ولكنه وثق ورأى أخيراً مجد الله في كل هذه الحالات.
ولم يفهم يعقوب فكر الله الذي سمح ليوسف ان ينتزع من أحضان ابيه الحبيبة، ولكنه رأى مجد الله عندما نظر وجه يوسف هذا كمتسلط على ارض مصر، وكحافظ لحياته وحياة شعب كثير في وسط الجوع الشديد.
قد تقول: أنا لا أفهم لماذا سمح الله لي بهذه الظروف”، ليس المطلوب منا ان نفهم كل طرق الله معنا. والله لا ينتظر منا ذلك، لكننا يوماً ما سنرى مجد الله في نفس الامور التي لا نفهمها الآن. فقط لنثق في حكمته ومحبته.
Sami, always thinking of you and your model of a strength.
Love you and looking out for you.
Your lil cous/sis
My dear dear Sami! I have been keeping in contact with Kellie Merrick on your “journey”. I pray for you constantly! You are the most honorable, loving, corageous, positive man I know! The lord works in mysterious ways!! I will continue to pray for you and your family! May God speed!
Xoxo
Meagan
My dear dear Dear Sami! I have been keeping in contact with Kellie Merrick on your “journey”. I pray for you constantly! You are the most honorable, loving, corageous, positive man I know! The lord works in mysterious ways!! I will continue to pray for you and your family! May God speed!
Xoxo
Meagan
Hi Sami, I’m just starting on a similar path as you. I’m at MDA and just had my 5th chemo treatment last night. Five more to go and then stay in Protective Environment for another 20 days. I like your blog and have started my own at jeffmorris100.wordpress.com. It is great to know that MD Anderson can’t heal you because they aren’t the HEALER. God can use them but He has the final say as to how and when. It is comforting to know that it is not in the hands of man but in the hands of our loving savior Jesus Christ. I’m in room G1271. If you come in for a treatment, stop by. It’s always good to meet a brother in Christ. I’ll keep you in my prayers as you walk these next steps. Jeff Morris
Sami and Jacqueline, I read your posts over and over again. The first time, to know your news. The second time onward for inspiration. Thank you so much for keeping us posted and for your inspirational words. We love you lots, and keep you in our prayers.
Love you ..
Just realized… Not praying for you is a sin :). . 1 Samuel 12:22-24 “The Lord will be true to His great name. He won’t turn His back on His people. That’s because He was PLEASED to make YOU His OWN people. I would never sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you… Respect the Lord. Serve Him faithfully with all your heart. Think about the great things He has done for you.”
السلام عليكم
مثل ما تفضل اخي وصديقي عامر نعم انظر الى هذا الشخص الذي كان ايمانة ايمان مطلق انها سوف تمطر وانا متأكد ان الله لا يخيب امل شخص … ولا سيما المؤمنين , نعلم بأن سامي لحود مؤمن وان الله لا يخيب املة ان شاء الله .
تحياتي الحارة
Sami,
your news is always so exciting,I look everyday for news of how Good our God is,He is God all by Himself,needs no help from anyone!!!!!!!!!!
We are always in prayer for you and just to watch what the Lord Jesus is doing in your favor.You are blessed and highly favored!
You are loved with all the love in the world,your family is so percious to us all and we are looking forward to seeing you then all of this is history.
Love you with the love of the Lord!
Harry & Hattie