When my husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer, our world turned upside down. The doctors told us surgery was the best option, and after a successful kidney removal surgery (nephrectomy), he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving. 🎉
What most people don’t realize is that you can live a completely normal life with one kidney. In fact, recovery after kidney cancer surgery is often faster today than ever before, thanks to robotic procedures that have replaced the old rib-breaking surgeries of the past (yes, really—more on that below).
Along the way, we’ve learned some powerful lessons about healing: from the importance of hydration for kidney health, to why you should avoid ibuprofen, to how cannabis for pain relief and sleep can make recovery easier.
If you or someone you love is facing kidney surgery, here are some surprising facts, modern treatment advances, and everyday wellness tips for living kidney strong.
🎯 You Only Need One Kidney (Seriously!)
Most people are stunned when they hear this: the human body only needs one kidney to live a full, healthy life.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, a single kidney can filter all the blood in your body every 30 minutes, doing the work of two without breaking a sweat. That’s why, when one kidney is removed because of cancer, the other one simply takes over.
✅ Most kidney cancers stay confined to one kidney.
✅ Surgery is often the cure.
✅ Life goes on—stronger than ever.
🛠️ Surgery Then vs. Now: From Rib-Breaking to Robots
Okay, hold onto your seat for this one: surgeons used to literally break ribs to get to the kidney. Can you imagine? Not only were you waking up minus a kidney, you were also dealing with broken bones. Brutal.
Fast forward to today: thanks to robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the procedure often requires just a few small incisions. Surgeons guide robotic arms with precision, removing the kidney with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
“Robotic-assisted nephrectomy has transformed recovery times and outcomes for patients,” explains Dr. Brian Shuch, Director of the Kidney Cancer Program at UCLA Health. “What once required weeks of healing now takes days.”
📜 Did You Know?
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In the late 1800s and much of the 1900s, surgeons often performed open nephrectomies by breaking or even removing part of a rib to reach the kidney.
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By the 1970s–1980s, rib-breaking started to fade as new incision techniques were developed that spared the ribs.
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In the 1990s, laparoscopic surgery was introduced, and by the 2000s, robotic kidney surgery became the new standard.
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Today, most nephrectomies are minimally invasive — no rib-breaking required! 🎉
🚫 No More Ibuprofen: Protecting Your Remaining Kidney
Here’s one of the first things the doctors told us: never take ibuprofen or NSAIDs again.
Why? Because they’re nephrotoxic (harmful to kidneys). With only one kidney left, you can’t afford the risk. Instead, stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or doctor-approved alternatives.
The Mayo Clinic warns: “NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can cause kidney damage, especially in those with reduced kidney function.”
🌿 Cannabis to the Rescue: Healing Naturally
Forget heavy opioids that leave you groggy. More and more patients (like my husband) are turning to cannabis for recovery:
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Pain relief: Cannabis can ease discomfort without straining the kidneys.
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Better sleep: Gummies, tinctures, or capsules can help you relax at night.
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Stress relief: Cancer recovery is as emotional as it is physical, and cannabis can reduce anxiety.
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Alcohol alternative: Cannabis drinks are a fun, kidney-friendly way to relax without alcohol’s risks.
“Cannabis has shown great potential as an adjunct to pain management, with fewer side effects compared to traditional opioids,” says Dr. Donald Abrams, oncologist at UCSF and integrative medicine expert.
👉 Image idea: A cozy bedside table with a water bottle, book, and a few cannabis gummies.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
With one kidney doing all the work, hydration is non-negotiable.
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Drink plenty of water every single day.
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Go easy on energy drinks and excess caffeine.
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Limit alcohol—seriously, it’s hard on kidneys.
But what about sodas?
❌ Sugary Sodas to Avoid
When we say “sugary sodas,” think:
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Cola (Coca-Cola, Pepsi)
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Lemon-lime sodas (Sprite, 7-Up)
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Root beer, cream soda
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Orange or grape sodas
A single can often packs 30–40 grams of sugar (7–10 teaspoons 😳). Colas also contain phosphoric acid, which stresses the kidneys and weakens bones. These drinks dehydrate you and raise your risk for diabetes—two things your single kidney does not need.
✅ Kidney-Friendly Alternatives
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Pure water (the gold standard 💧)
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Sparkling water (add a lemon wedge or berries for fun)
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Infused water with cucumber, mint, or fruit
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Cannabis-infused beverages (a cool alternative to alcohol, without the sugar overload)
“Hydration is the single most important thing you can do for kidney health,” confirms the Cleveland Clinic.
🥂 Celebrating Life, One Kidney Strong
From terrifying diagnosis to smooth robotic surgery to celebrating recovery—my husband’s journey proves that life with one kidney is not just possible, it’s powerful.
Today, we celebrate with sparkling water or a cannabis-infused seltzer instead of wine. And honestly? It feels like a healthier, happier, stronger future.
So here’s to one kidney, a lot of resilience, and a brand-new lease on life.
👉 Image idea: Two glasses clinking—one water, one cannabis drink—captioned “Cheers to thriving!”
✨ Final Takeaway:
Kidney cancer doesn’t define you. Surgery saves lives. Hydration protects your health. Cannabis can be a trusted ally. And hey—be glad you live in the age of robotic surgery, not rib-breaking!