Kidney cancer and kidney removal: How is life with one kidney?

I had my right kidney removed April 2024 due to cancer. So far my follow-ups have been good. The function with one kidney is not much different, but I watch what I eat. They say not too much protein. Be aware of medications, I always make sure doctors know I only have one kidney as some drugs are not good for kidneys. With follow-ups your husband should do fine, I was 72 when mine was removed.

Thank you for you helpful and promising reply.

My kidney and a nerf-football sized tumor were removed 7 years ago. I have been on a few different chemotherapies since then. The first year I drank a gallon of water a day and now I drink a half gallon. As much as I can, I avoid any kind of pain medication. I experience inflammation from the chemo and my diet has become vegan with the addition of non-fat fish, seafood, and sugar. My remaining kidney had a small lesion ablated 3 years ago and it continues to process my chemo and 15 supplements. Life with one kidney feels fine.

@vickipm, good question. Many people live well with one kidney, this includes people who had surgery to remove a kidney due to cancer or kidney disease.

When will your husband have surgery? How is he doing? How are YOU doing?

Surgery set for December 14, hoping it gets moved up. We are doing okay, carrying on with a busy life, trying be upbeat and positive and depending on prayers to keep us uplifted. Hubby gets angry at dumb things and I figure that is his angst. Wish I could get him to drink more water! Thanks for your inquiry.

@vickipm I just celebrated my 61st anniversary of having a kidney removed for cancer! I am truly blessed. I had 2 babies, multiple surgeries and have been told that my one kidney is larger. My son, age 54, just had surgery for the same thing in January. His kidney function tests have improved over the past year and he is now having normal lab values. We both watch how many CT with contrasts we get. Normally, kidneys work at around 50% each. So, it takes awhile to get the other one working more efficiently. Yes, hydration is important and we never forget we have one in watching out for UTIs and such. Otherwise, it all works out! Good luck!

I had kidney cancer in 2025, which resulted in a surgeon removing the affected kidney. The operation was successful, but living with one kidney has been a challenge. I'd welcome comments by others with only one kidney: How did you adjust to the need to drink far more liquids than before? Specifically, how did you deal with having to get up several times a night to empty your bladder? How do you deal with the need to have ready access to a restroom during your waking hours when you aren't at home? I'm retired and no longer drive, so using a public restroom often isn't an option.

For me getting up several times at night is a reminder of how lucky I am to still be here. During the day is manageable.
I no longer eat red meat and processed meat like bologna and pastrami. I read labels carefully to reduce my sodium, potassium and phosphorus intake. No alcohol. While not really sacrificing, it reminds me, again, of how fortunate I am.

I had kidney cancer at 18 years old. I am 79 now. I get up to go to the bathroom several times at night due to my age. I had 2 children and several major surgeries over the years and did fine. If you are aware of your kidney function labs, and your BUN, creatinine and GFR are in normal range ( as mine are) you can watch these lab results and see that your one kidney function is where it should be. 2 people in my family were born with one kidney and are doing fine. I wish you much good kidney function going forth and hope this helps.

@goinforhope Hi there, thank you for the info about your cancer journey. My Mom has RCC that has become metastatic to her liver after 4 years of targeted cancer pills/immunotherapy two targeted radiation treatments for a lesion on her back and her other kidney. She just started her 3rd protocol (there is nothing after this medicine to help her says oncologist). I'm starting her on a few supplements to hopefully help. I see you take 15 supplements. Can you let me know which supplements? I know there are several she cannot take due to the risk of damaging her liver. Thank you for your help!