How much is that kidney in the window?

It took a while. He was very pleasant, though, and I wondered if he would recognize the name "John Cheever." I didn't ask, though maybe I should have.

So I think I'm cleared for a kidney transplant, assuming I can find a kidney. The nurse-coordinator mentioned that Carolyn's test results didn't indicate that she'd be eligible. Looks like she needs both her kidneys, which is fine. (Or not. I sincerely hope there's nothing really wrong with her.)

Mom has entered the second phase of testing. I'd feel better about that if she were healthier; still, it might work out. If it doesn't, that will be OK, too. I'll think harder about who else I might ask.

The thought of asking a friend or relative to donate a kidney is surreal.

I was thinking about this because I saw a promo for a news report on one of the local teevee channels about buying organs from people in Third World countries. I didn't tune in because I didn't really need another "investigative" angle on transplantation. If more people were willing to consider donating, maybe there wouldn't be a market. I find it very freaky that there's a class of people in the world who would consider their own body parts as a resource. Of course, I also have a pancreas from the victim of an automobile accident; when I think about it, that's just as weird.

On one hand I hope I don't have to ask again; on the other hand, well, as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof said, there is no other hand. Of course, his daughter was about to run away with a Russian soldier, and I think that's a little bit different.

If the question becomes necessary, I'll find a way to ask it and people to ask it to; I always find a way.

before - after