Barb,
Don't worry about having to stop metformin. Like your doc said, kidneys are more important. Wait and see how your kidney test results are. There is always different types of meds for diabetes. Your kidneys are far more important.
I think your a1c is excellent. You should have put in a lot of work (believe me.... I know

) Normal blood sugar levels would help your kidney functions as well. So wait till you get your results. Keep up your good work