In a small Texas town, just north of the Big “D”
I hunkered down for the big “wait”.
“A kidney is coming that’s perfect for you!”
I dreamed and awaited my fate.

So, my doctor decided to start up my prep,
And scheduled me for several rounds.
Cat-scans, x-rays, and blood tests galore…
And I waited to see what they found.

“Behold!” said one doc as he peered at my heart,
and decided to run some more tests.
They poked and they prodded and said with a frown,
“No can do, we must wait while you rest.”

My heart wasn’t running as well as it should,
so I begged it to try and behave.
If my heart doesn’t pass the preliminary tests,
This kidney might go with a wave!

Alas, when I went for my follow up day
(After waiting for almost a year)
My doctor exclaimed with a smile on his face
That I was at last in the clear!

I can start up my prep and finally move on
to a future that looked really bright!
I’d get my life back and travel the world
with fun opps and no end in sight!

But the big bad insurance decided to speak
and said, “Whoa girl, slow down your fuse!
Your COBRA’s about to come to a halt
And you’ll have no coverage to use!”

What will I do without my insurance?
My transplant will not come to be!
I panicked and cried and pulled out my hair,
This just can’t happen to me!

So I met with Arthur, my insurance guy,
And together we mapped our Plan B.
We applied for Medicare, sorted through plans,
And now we must wait, hope, and see.

The problem now is that SSA is
An uphill and frustrating climb.
It’s slower than sloths in a marathon race
And I’m now in a race against time!

I’ve one month to go, and I’m pacing the floor.
I’ve done all there can be to do!
I pray that the Health Plan God up above
will succeed and help me pull through!

I truly believe there’s some better way
to help all of those who are in need.
Our health system needs some SERIOUS work –
To focus on less greed, more speed!

As I step back into the cruel unknown abyss
of anxious and hopeful concern,
I pray I’m still lucky to get my next chance
with the kidney I’ve desperately yearned.

Link to donate – http://www.LivingDonorFortWorth.org

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Things I’m thankful for today:

1.  As stated above, after a long wait, I’ve finally been approved to move ahead again on my transplant workup. The issue I’m running into right now is health insurance. We were really hoping to get an extension on the COBRA coverage, yet, that fell through, so please pray that the Medicare coverage gets approved as quickly as possible! You’d think that since I’m already receiving disability, it should be an easy and quick process, but that’s not the case. I’m not sure what I’m going to do if it doesn’t go through before Christmas! I have enough meds to hold me over for a little while, but not THAT long!

2. Since I last posted, my friend Ayman and I managed to take a break from the monotony of clinic-home-clinic-home by taking a vacation to visit one of my best friends in Wisconsin! Ayman and I got to see an entirely new part of the country we’ve never visited before and it was beautiful! Plus, the three of us were able to spend some much-needed quality time just hanging out and catching up. Can’t wait to go back! (yay cheese curds!)

3. Since I’m very limited with how many times I can take a full shower (I can’t get my dialysis port wet), I’ve had to experiment with different hair products that can keep my hair from looking like a nasty frizz-ball. I’ve discovered Color Wow! Their Root Lift spray and Texture sprays are a-may-zing! My hair (which usually falls flat within 30 minutes of drying my hair) has kept it’s body for days! And no, I’m not a paid sponsor, although I wouldn’t mind the extra cash if they wanted to contribute. 😉

4. Fall is finally here! Even though it was a pretty mild summer compared to most, I’m LOVING the cooler weather! I’ve always been a fan of the cooler weather – sweaters, the changing colors of the leaves, hot cocoa, football, the prelude to the holidays… sigh. It’s even raining out as I’m typing this, which makes me want to curl up and watch a movie or read.

5. Lastly, my sister wanted me to make sure I was thankful for her on this list since she’s the most AWESOME and supportive sister on EARTH! (You owe me a taco for that one Barbara. hee….) Seriously, though, she’s my rock and I don’t know how I’d do this without you!