j

Hello Shoni,

I'm cross-posting to alt.support.cancer

Perhaps they're waiting because they want to recheck the (size of) the lesion on
the liver to confirm that it is indeed cancer (and is growing). Invading the
liver to find out, if he has diabetes, might cause him undue complications and
suffering (and/or he can't afford the price of the investigations).

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/prostate/patient/
Certain factors affect treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery).
The treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery) depend on the stage of
the cancer (whether it affects part of the prostate, involves the whole
prostate, or has spread to other places in the body), the Gleason score, the
level of PSA, and the patient’s age and general health.

After prostate cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer
cells have spread within the prostate or to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the prostate or to
other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the
staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the
stage in order to plan the best treatment. The following tests and procedures
may be used in the staging process: <snipped some>

The following stages are used for prostate cancer:
< I've skipped the first 3 stages - note the word "often", not "always" below,
in reference to the bone >
Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body, such
as the bladder, rectum, bone, liver, lungs, or to lymph nodes near or far from
the prostate. Metastatic prostate cancer often spreads to the bones. Stage IV
prostate cancer may also be called stage D1 or stage D2 prostate cancer. []

If it has spread to his liver, perhaps they're thinking palliative (for
symptoms) chemo?
I would think it unusual for liver cancer to spread to the prostate (the
reverse).
I suppose it's also possible for a person to have two different cancers or the
spot on his liver being something totally benign.

I think welfare pays food and shelter (up to a maximum) but not treatment costs.

If I'm wrong, I'm sorry. (for the crossposting) .
If he has metastatic cancer, I'm sorry and welcome you to post on
news:alt.support.cancer (if this is highlighted in blue, it should automatically
subscribe you by clicking on it).

If he has metastatic prostate cancer and no insurance, someone may need to start
looking into palliative care resources.
Fox Chase apparently has such resources http://www.fccc.edu/clinical/support/

We have lots of resources to help you, along with your friend on a.s.c.

But do find out more information as jimhoney suggested.
If you can talk to his family or go with him to the cancer doctor (to take notes
and ask questions), that would be very helpful for him. (I think).

Please let us know, we'll help where we can.
J alt.support.cancer