I realize this was not the main reason for denial. But the main reason was that the Judge did not view this man's pain as an emergency. Well, from what I have heard, chronic pain can be a strange thing. Some people can learn to ignore it, while with other people it can drive them completely nuts. Who is the Judge to decide if and when the relief of chronic pain is or is not an emergency?
I find the Judges reasoning heartless, and sad. It is a sad day when Judges are called upon to decide if an old man with cancer is having too much fun trying to calm his pain.