Sami Lahoud

Yesterday was the day when I received my bone marrow transplant.  We were told that by 9AM, as the Stem Cells were being prepped in the lab, they will be able to provide us a specific time for the transplant.  Surely enough, a little after 9, we were informed that the transplant was scheduled for 10AM.   While the nurse was getting Alaris ready, she mentioned something very interesting.  She said that I am not going to receive a “Stem Cell” transfusion, but rather a “Bone Marrow”.  After requesting clarification, I was told that generically the procedure is called Bone Marrow Transplant, however, a patient may end up with a Stem Cell or Bone Marrow transfusion, it all depends on what was received from the Donor.  In this case my donor sent Bone Marrow.  The Bone Marrow is harsher on the donor to extract than just Stem Cells, yet better for the recipient, since it’s a complete Bone Marrow and not just Stem Cells.  < speechless moment … another blessed surprise>. PTL

With that said, they brought in the Bone Marrow, which had a perfect reddish color and connected it to Alaris, and voila, the Bone Marrow started flowing in full view through my catheter into my body … wow … it kept on going and going, for almost two full hours.  Once done, I did not have any drastic side effects.  I just felt a bit tired and needing to sleep.  Otherwise, everything was almost normal. PTL

Later that day, I was informed that it might take an additional week or so for the graft to finalize since it was a bone marrow and not a stem cell transplant (i.e. it takes longer for a bone marrow transfusion to graft).   I will have to stay in the hospital until the new bone marrow is fully operational.  We are praying that the graft will take place very peacefully, without any serious side effects and I will be home on Thanksgiving with all the beloved !!

I cannot thank you enough for your prayers.  They are making a huge difference. PTL.

In His Grip

Sami

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

DID YOU KNOW?

I sure did not. Let me clarify.  The information they share with us, as we venture through this journey, is incredible.  To think that I was living in this world and had no idea what incredible things were taking place within a Stem Cell Transplant … m,m,m … and now I get to experience it, wow!  Check this info out  >> Not only will my blood type change, but, the nurse informed us today that, once the new Stem Cells were grafted, I had to retake the immunization I had taken since childbirth, since it will all be gone – wow !  Just like a new born baby, I will have to take it.  They will even sing me “Happy Birthday” while the new Stem Cells are being poured into my empty shell – – – (come to think of it, I do look like a big baby now – no hair anywhere – no wonder Jacqueline and Mom keep rubbing and kissing my bald head!)  … I need to pause on that thought … well, my reply to the nurse was ” will I also be crying like a baby?” her response was “to date no one has cried from the transplant itself,  however, the smell of the fresh Stem Cell might make you cry”.  She could not think of the right word to describe the smell so I researched it on the net and it was listed as a fish-like smell –  (as long as it smells like a fresh Atlantic Salmon, I will be ok with it).  🙂

GUESS WHO IS BACK

It seems that I am destined to spend time with Alaris.  For those of you who missed reading about Alaris, it is my IV machine.  I first met it when I was in isolation back in August.  Back then if I was asked whether or not I could spend a month in isolation, while being strapped to an IV machine 24×7, in a room that could barely fit a bed, that had no bathroom but a tiny portable commode that uses nylon bags (yes it does) and a very small sink for towel bathing (no shower) … I would have laughed hard.  It sounds like a room in the Mezzeh prison ( سجن المزة‎).  However, believe it or not, that experience was priceless to me.  The Lord worked it all in a miraculous way. PTL.  He provided me with peace, protection and got me out of it singing hymns and praising His Holy name ! I got to experience Philippians 4:13 in real life.

DAY ZERO

The heavy Chemo has started on day -7 and thus day Zero has been declared for Monday October 31st.  This is when I will be given new Stem Cells.  However, and most importantly, a few days earlier, I will be put on a special medication to avoid what is called Graft-versus-host disease – i.e. when the donor’s bone marrow’s immune cells start attacking the recipient’s own tissues.  With that said, as usual, I greatly appreciate your prayers and count on them (thank you).  I also thank you for your blog entries.  They always encourage me, put a smile on my big bald baby head and remind me that you are traveling this journey with me.

Remember, the Best has already come and we are reaping His blessings on earth, until He comes again. Ephesians 1:3

In His Grip
Sami

I checked in to MDA  at 8:30PM and reminded the nurses that I had reserved a non-smoking room with a nice view.  After all I am paying a fortune to stay in this place.  🙂

At this stage, my transplant count down, from  -7 days down to zero, has officially started. Once we hit day zero, I will be done with Chemo and the Donor’s Stem Cells will be injected into my empty tank. That’s when we will start counting to day 30, “the” day when typically Stem Cell patients are released from MDA (I can be released sooner if I recover faster than the typical patient).  The cool part is that I will end up with a new blood type, just like my mother and sisters. I will go from a B+ to an O+.  I will finally feel that I am part of the family.  Being the only B always made me feel like an outsider.  I am also hoping that this will help me better understand them … it should.  🙂

It’s 11:45PM now and I just got my computers connected and room wired the way it should be.  I have to be honest with you.  The nurse just did a very thorough review of what I will be given and discussed what I will be going through … m,m,m … I thought of calling it off and asking Jacqueline to come and take me home.  For the first time I can honestly say that the “way” the possibilities and expectations of the side effects were described, made me blink … it sounded as if the furnace was just turned 7 times hotter …  however, as this thought started messing with my mind, I was reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and how they were not alone and came out not even smelling like fire … that is when immediately another thought came to mind, Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – PTL

Well, it’s time to hit the sack.  They assured me that every 3 hours they will be checking my vital signs (i.e. no sleep for me).  I call it room service every three hours, that’s why it costs a fortune to stay here.  🙂 One last thought before I start snoring … Truly His peace is beyond understanding … I am going to sleep like a baby since I know that I am being carried on the everlasting arms of the Lord – Deuteronomy 33:27  – – – you must love it, and get it, if you don’t have it. Seriously.

To the faithful believers, I am counting on your faithful prayers.  I cannot thank you enough.  Good night. 

THE WAITING EXPLAINED

The prayer of little Samir: Yesterday evening, after I gave Samir his birthday gift, he smiled and raised both hands to the sky and said, “Lord I release my Dad.  He can have his transplant now.”  We all looked at Samir in a funny way (???).  He then explained that he prayed that I will be able to spend his birthday with him.  He was very “sad” that I was going to be admitted to the Hospital a week before his birthday and miss that event.  He was very concerned about the transplant and wanted me to attend his birthday before I go through it.  Accordingly, now that his wish has been accomplished, he was thanking the Lord and “releasing” me to have my transplant. 😉

Well, well, well … when we showed up to MDA this morning, the Transplant Doctor shared with us that the Donor was indeed “cleared” of all issues and the transplant is back on track!  I should be admitted as soon as they find out when the Donor can provide their Stem Cells.  (lol)  PTL !!!

Sami’s Wish:  On numerous occasions, I voiced my concerns to the Transplant Team regarding the procedure they followed.  I had a concern that they were going to give me 5 days of heavy Chemo, that will wipe all of my cells, in readiness for the transplant, before securing the Stems Cells from the donor.  In other words, once I was done with the Chemo, they would then obtain the Stem Cells from the donor Just-In-Time (JIT) …   but what if something happened to the donor by that time? what will happen to my empty vessel?  what if the donor got in a car accident? or changed their mind? or got sick? … or whatever ! and was no longer available, able or willing to give his/her Stem Cells?  the answer was –  “We’ve always done it this way.  We’ve always followed a JIT approach. Freezing the cells was not an option since it was cost prohibitive.  The insurance companies had reserved it for “special” cases only.”

Well, well, well … I just received a call a few minutes ago from the Transplant department.  The Donor is able to provide their Stem Cells only on Tuesday October 25th, thus they have no choice but to freeze it until I am done with my Chemo by October 29.  In other words, we now have a “special” case (lol!!!) – – – Ayayayaya … The Lord is so good, He even addresses our minute concerns .  PTL !!! As I mentioned in my previous blog entry … The Lord said “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” after all “He makes all things beautiful in His time …”  So how could I worry? Even if I try, it will be too hard 😉  Let’s praise the Lord since all of our prayers have been answered … and please pray for a safe and miraculous transplant !! 

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy (Psalm 30:11)

< October 17 Update >  We were informed today that they still require to run additional tests on the donor.  The verdict has thus shifted to Thursday the 20th.  The good news is that I am growing stronger by the day (physical and spiritual).  Even my hair is excited and started to sporadically pop-up again 🙂  This holding period has given me the opportunity to get readier for my transplant.  Relaxing in the fact that the Lord has it all under control.  PTL  

October 10 Update – – – Last week I had to undergo a bunch of tests so they could determine if I was fit for a transplant.  Praise the Lord I passed all the tests with flying colors 🙂  I qualified for headmaster’s list at MDA.  Sadly enough they do not offer transplant scholarships or assistantships for top candidates like Truly Yours 🙂  Our last appointment was today with the dentist.  He checked me out and said that all looked just perfect.  I was good to go.  I thanked him and told him that he was my favorite dentist to date (since he did not touch my teeth).

In my opinion, the most comforting part of life is when you reach a stage where you have truly experienced the Lord.  Where you found yourself at a crossroad and had to choose, once and for all, does God exist or not, and you chose the good way and walked in it (Jeremiah 6:16); when you realized that the origin of the human race and of the universe could not have come to pass through the gratuitous collision of atoms and that man could not have emerged from the slime as a result of a cosmic accident with no definitive purpose in view, and is destined to annihilation, so that the origin of humanity is meaninglessness and the destiny of human kind is meaningless … which means that you are nothing but a grown up Germ … but rather, you thought about it and realized the complexity of the universe and humanity and thought, as an example, of the DNA and how each of our cells contains the precise assembly instructions for every protein out of which our bodies are made …  How obvious that nothing but a creator can be behind such perfect patterns, thus you realized that you were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) … you then had the opportunity to taste and find that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) …  and built your house on the Lord, so when the troubles come down, challenges rise, and the fear blows and beats against your house, it will not fall, because you had your foundation on the Lord (Matthew 7:24-27). What a blessing.  You will feel the peace that surpasses all understanding in the midst of the storm.  Now who would not want that? If you don’t have it and want it, check this link http://www.campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

You see, while we were meeting with the Transplant Doctor today, we were faced with a storm.  He mentioned, out of  nowhere,  that he was putting my transplant on hold since the donor was experiencing some “complications”.  He could not elaborate on the details.  He mentioned that by the end of this week, he might know if we will be able to proceed with this donor or not.  If not, I might have to start another Chemo session while waiting for another donor.  I have to be honest with you that when the doctor delivered the news,  I was in full confidence that the Lord is in control, and if the Lord is in control, why should I worry?  especially that He said ” who by worrying can add a single hour to his life” (Luke 12:25).  Actually,  I was glad that the issue surfaced now, versus a few days later, once I was at a point of no return, going through my super-duper, double hot, sauna … I mean chemo treatment!  Thus I was in full peace with it.  You see, the Lord protected us during the war in Lebanon (too many stories to share), He protected us when our compound was attacked in Saudi Arabia and they were going door to door shooting at everyone, He protected me when I was traveling on a plane that lost one of its engines … the stories are too many to list … so how could I worry now?  Even if I try, it will be too hard 😉

He said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

So let’s praise the Lord and please pray for my bone marrow to get back on track as soon as possible 🙂

Amazing what the prayer of the faithful and righteous does (James 5:16).
The Lord is encouraging all the believers to pray and have faith.

They disconnected Kellie’s tubes from the vacuum suction.  PTL.  She is doing much better.  Her Lung is no longer leaking !  Amazing !  The Lord has answered all the prayers.  We are excited.  She sends her love to all of you and a special message ” Please, please storm the heaven’s for God’s breath to keep my lung inflated.  How I love you and covet your prayers – Kellie.  – He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else – Acts 17:25″.  Thank you Jesus!! 

From my end also I have nothing but good news. I am telling you the Lord is encouraging us all to pray and have faith.   My donor has passed all the required tests and committed to giving their Stem Cells on Oct 17th.  Accordingly, I have been officially scheduled to be admitted to MDA on Oct 11th.  I will undergo 5 days of harsh Chemo, which will deplete my bone marrow from my own Stem Cells.  Once done, my immunity system will be non-existent and my Stem Cells would have vanished.  At that time, I will be given the Stem Cells of my donor … and voila, an official human oil, I mean, blood change.  I will get new Stem Cells and the blood type of my Donor.  Wow.  The good news is that I do not have to change it every 3,500 miles.  It should be good for a lifetime. PTL !

I wish I could share with you all the miracles we have faced to date.  One day I will.  The Lord has been amazing.  Every day, every moment, every second.  What an awesome God we serve.  All of the fervent prayers are being heard and answered.  I cannot thank you enough.

Psalm 30:11
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.

This past week was a very sad week.  A very dear friend of ours in Houston, Kellie, one of the sweetest people you can meet on earth, a devout young mother, prayer warrior and servant, out of nowhere was admitted to the hospital.  She experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax, which is a partial lung collapse.  She had to undergo a pleurodesis surgery.  At this stage it looks as if she has a very rare lung disease.  She requires medication all the time to control her pain.   She had a non-invasive procedure to try and seal off the remaining air leaks in her lungs.  We are praying that God would use this procedure to keep her lungs inflated for good and she will be able to remove the chest tube and return home. Her husband, Robert, is out of the country trying to return home asap.  We are also praying for him. 

Please add Kellie and Robert to your fervant prayers.  I plan to encourage her by forwarding her the relevant comments you post on today’s blog. 

Thank you for your faithfullness!
“… pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective …” James 5:16

All my blood related numbers are going back to their normal range fairly quickly.  PTL.  I no longer need antibiotics.   My energy and appetite are back.  Actually, I started using the treadmill and doing push-ups again.  What a blessing. This is expected to last until I am admitted to MDA for my Bone Marrow Transplant.  Currently the date has been tentatively set for Oct 7th.  The insurance company called me to confirm that they had approved the treatment.  PTL. 

Jacqueline and I met with the Transplant doctor and he shared some very interesting info with us.  In summary, the process entails me getting, believe it or not, 5 days of the harshest intense Chemo in order to totally clear/clean my Bone Marrow.   Once done, I will then get my Donor’s Stem Cells (and actually end up with their blood type).  The Doctor then laid the numbers down.  60% of the patients will be totally healed, 20% will revert back to where they were and 20% will expire.  Ok …  I had two questions.  I wanted to know if the 60% was industry wide.  He said that the industry had a 50% success rate, however, his was 60% (hmm … interesting.  All of a sudden I liked him a bit).  I also wanted to find out what caused the 40% to fail … he had too many reasons. Well … that was it for now.

If you think about it, all 60% were successful.  That is way too cool.  All 100% of the 60 made it.  I am comforted by that 100%   🙂 

I was watching TV Sunday morning (since I cannot go to Church) and the Pastor mentioned a very key verse that spoke to my heart. It was a verse that my Sunday school teacher, Aunty Selma Nasser, gave me when I was almost 10 years old.  She said (and I can still see her face)  “Sami this verse is for you.  Memorize it. Do not forget it.”  She even wrote it on my Bible.  It is Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  When life does not make sense, remember He is in control.  Do not rely on your own limited understanding.  Just trust Him and He will make your path straight.   Again, I found myself in another Déjà vu.  Why me worry?  … If the Lord is for me, who can be against me.  Since He approved this Journey, I have no reason to worry !  PTL

I cannot thank you enough for your prayers.  I count on them.  I need them. 

Philippians 1:3

Yesterday night I took my last Chemo pills for this round of treatment.  Thus my blood counts, at this stage, are at their lowest, which was anticipated.  I do not have much energy.  I have to go the hospital today to get some transfusions.  The best part is that I do not have fever, body aches or pain, which are typical side effects of Chemo.  PTL.  The only thing is I lack energy … I feel slow … tired … not in a mood to do much or see anyone.  I had to force myself this morning to update my blog.  But, as I said, all in all, I am doing great.  I have no complaints.

More good news, the Transplant department has officially requested that I become their patient.  They have requested that I do not undergo another Chemo session with the Leukemia department (they have a special one for me – hmmm).  But it’s all good news, one less Chemo treatment. PTL.    So far, I am on track for a transplant by the first week of October.

More blessed news, a few days ago I had fever and thus was getting ready to go to the ER.  All cancer patients in remission are requested to do so.  We are not allowed to take any fever reducing medication.  The family started discussing and debating the “official” meaning of fever (of course Dr. Raad was not home) … is it 100.4 or 100.5, etc … at one point one of the thermometers read 100.9 so everyone was panicking (we were using 3 types of thermostats ear, mouth and mercury) 🙂 While the discussions were taking place and chaos ruling, I asked everyone to “stop” … as I approached my dear mother, who was sitting in the corner and told her, “you are my mother, take me to the Lord”.  Everything halted.  Everyone was calm.  I could see a hint of tears in her eyes as I sat at her feet and she placed her innocent, gentle hands on my head.  She then took me, with her angelic voice, to the Lord.  It was a mother carrying her son to Jesus.  Once done, I sat on the couch and within minutes, the fever was gone.  PTL

Sometimes His Will is to physically heal us, sometimes His grace is sufficient.  However, He always provides spiritual healing. Our duty is to just come in full faith and trust that His Will is best for us.  Amen.