Has anyone experienced similar ?

My friend was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 4 months ago. The doctor said nothing can be done gone too far . ny friend is 89. No prognosis given. Quick as stage 4. That was it 

My friend has not been experiencing the main symptoms so does not think he has this horrible illness. Plus because that important appointment he was not explained properlly.

Ihave asked the nurses month after his diagnosis myself about prognosis they tell me theirs no telling because of his age and they cant help me with this.

I asked recently but got no where.

It scares me to know but at same time i want to know how to make plans etc with my friend.

Is it normal not to be given a prognosis at a late stage?