Examination and Disengagement.

Mayo Clinic has scheduled me for my annual pre-transplant physical examination over three days in early December. (Fortunately unlike many other transplant candidates, this trip won't be a financial burden upon us because my insurance will now reimburse us for the expenses of travel, meals and lodging.) Yet, as an aside, I can't help but wonder whether I'll receive a kidney transplant by that time.

Last Wednesday, I visited my vascular surgeon, Dr. Christopher Wixon, and received both good and not-so-good news. Good news is that the aneurysm is unchanged in size and should not be a barrier to transplant, The not-so-good news is that my fistula, which would provide access in the event of dialysis, is not functioning well at all. He wasn't surprised that I declined the opportunity to be backup to a primary transplant recipient last month and we had an extended conversation about transplant surgery in my particular situation. He's not only an able surgeon, but an excellent communicator.

Meanwhile, because I'll be out of circulation whenever I do receive "the call", I've begun to lighten up on my community activities. Earlier this month, I announced my resignation as secretary of the 100 Black Men of Savannah and as chair of our Mentoring Committee. I was deeply moved by my brethren's kind expressions of appreciation and support. But - I'm still committed to work for the election of Barak Obama and Connie and I will perform poll watching duty next Tuesday, Election Day.