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Hope and encouragement

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Posted 19 Jan 2026 at 13:47

I have recently retired and am now in the process of finding activities to fill my days.  I am lucky enough to live in a city which provides many opportunities.  One opportunity was table tennis run by a local charity.  It costs £5 for two hours and last week I gave it my first try.  I was delighted to find the staff and players most welcoming and love the mix of ages that ranged from below 65 to 93!

I opted to volunteer my PC upfront as I do need breaks from exercise due to back pain.  I found I could play two full games then provided I rested for at least one full game then I was okay.  At the end as we were leaving one gentleman invited me to have a coffee with him.  It turned out he was 84 and had PC back in his mid 60s.  I was so encouraged to meet someone who had been through it and had managed 20 more years.  We shared stories and had a laugh at some of the funnier things that happen along the way.  He even gave me some tips that I hope will help.  I did suggest he post on here, but he wasn't willing.  However, he was happy for me to post on his behalf.  He did ask me not to use his name.

This wonderful guy has not only been through PC but also lost his wife to a heart attack around five years ago and is now getting over the loss of his best friend in 2025.  Despite it all, he's had two girlfriends (not at the same time) and lives a very full life.  Like me he has no ability to have erections but that hasn't stopped him!

Note: this was also posted on the Macmillen/Prostate cancer site

 
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