Politics

Hugo Chavez Has New Health Scare, Flies to Cuba for Urgent Tumor Removal

Venezuelan President Chavez Flies to Cuba for Urgent Tumor RemovalCARACAS, Venezuela (The Blaze/AP) — President Hugo Chavez bid an emotional farewell laced with references to Jesus Christ and independence hero Simon Bolivar as he departed Venezuela on Friday for Cuba for urgent surgery to remove a tumor he says is probably malignant.

Clasping the hand of his youngest daughter, Chavez addressed allies of his socialist political movement and troops standing at attention at the Miraflores presidential palace.

“I say this from my gut: With cancer or without cancer … come rain, thunder or lightning … nobody can avoid a great patriotic victory Oct. 7,” the president said, referring to the date of Venezuela’s presidential election. “Long live Chavez!”

The socialist president, who is seeking a fourth term, referenced Bolivar and Christ’s burdens to describe his battle with cancer.

“Our (founding) father Simon Bolivar once said, ‘I am a man of troubles.’ I say as a son of Bolivar, I too am a man of troubles. We are a people of troubles,” Chavez said. “Let the troubles come and add like the cross of Christ to the definitive liberation of the country. With the cross of Christ, one must sometimes bear pain as a spur to love. It is fuel for love.”

Chavez’s black SUV left the palace and rolled slowly through the capital, with red-shirted bodyguards clinging to the running boards. His head and shoulders sticking out of the sunroof, the firebrand president waved to onlookers lining the avenues and people flying Venezuelan flags from rooftops.

A motorcade of white vans and police vehicles with flashing lights followed Chavez to the airport, where he shook hands with officials and spoke briefly before taking off for Cuba in the presidential plane.

Several hours later, Chavez contacted Venezuelan state television by telephone, saying he had arrived in Cuba and had been greeted by Raul Castro at the airport.

“I have faith that everything will go well,” Chavez said.

The president said he planned to meet with doctors on Saturday, and undergo a series of medical tests.

Chavez, 57, is turning to the same Cuban doctors who extracted a baseball-size cancerous tumor from his pelvic region last summer. This time, the growth is smaller, about an inch (two centimeters) in diameter.

Cuba and Venezuela are staunch allies, and Chavez enjoys a warm relationship with former leader Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro.

The Venezuelan president has not disclosed the precise location of either tumor, nor said what kind of cancer he had, but described next week’s surgery as urgent.

Cuban health care is generally considered good, but oncology experts not involved with Chavez’s care say he could be taking a risk by skipping more respected facilities in the United States, Europe or Brazil – which has Latin America’s most advanced cancer centers with specialized radiation equipment.

“If you have a ‘common’ cancer, that of the breast, colon or lung … then it’s going to be easy to find standards of care that are the same in the U.S., Brazil or Cuba,” said Dr. Julian Molina, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “The problem comes when you have a tumor that’s not one of the common ones, and that’s what most of us suspect Chavez has.”

The Guardian brings us a video of the Venezuelan President’s remarks:

Latin America’s top cancer doctor, Paulo Hoff, who heads the cancer center at Sao Paulo’s Sirio-Libanes hospital, considered the region’s best, would not talk specifically about Chavez’s case. But he did say that a cancerous tumor in the pelvic region would be mainly limited to four types: prostate, rectal, bladder and sarcoma, the latter being a rare and deadly form of tumor.

National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello, a retired army lieutenant who accompanied Chavez in his failed 1992 coup, said Friday that the Venezuelan opposition should be the most worried about the president’s survival.

“The people in the street will not retreat a single millimeter, not a single millimeter, from what has been accomplished in these 13 years” since Chavez took office, Cabello said.

Chavez allies have accused their political foes of hoping the president will die, opening a door for the opposition to win the Oct. 7 vote.

Rival candidate Henrique Capriles has rejected such allegations and said he wishes for a Chavez recovery so Capriles can triumph “fair and square.”

Luis Vicente Leon, director of local polling firm Datanalisis, said Chavez‘s most important political concern is convincing people that he’s healthy.

“It is a different scenario if in the mind of voters an idea remains that the president is ill, with his near future compromised,” Leon said.

As Chavez’s motorcade traveled through the streets, hundreds of supporters covered his SUV with flowers and even a portrait of Jesus that read: “I will heal you. Forward, commander!”

“This goodbye should encourage him. I hope he returns and knows we love him,” said Lucia Cabeza, an unemployed 24-year-old.

For others, it was just the latest spectacle surrounding a man with a confirmed flair for the theatric. He was given a similar send-off last summer when he flew to Cuba for treatment.

“It was a terrible exaggeration. They took him here, they took him there,” said Fatima Abreu, a 47-year food vendor. “It‘s not the first time he’s leaving, nor the first time he’s having surgery. Even for his own health, he should be taking it easy.”

“Chavez has been doing this for 13 years,” added Margarita de Rodriguez, a 55-year-old homemaker. “Recently they celebrated the 4th of February, the coup that failed, and now they’re making a circus of his illness. They always do everything thinking about the elections.”

Chavez plans to continue governing from Cuba instead of delegating authority temporarily to Vice President Elias Jaua. He has not said when he might return to Venezuela.

Comments (114)

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  • jschold
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:35am

    Doesn’t he have a dentist in his own country ?

    Report Post »  
    • Ari Ben TZion
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 5:37am

      One of the few places in the world where this ignorant Indian (indio), can be president, is in Venezuela.

      Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
    • MYHEROISRON
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 6:39am

      Hugo Chavez … yer face looks like a tumor.

      Report Post » MYHEROISRON  
    • MYHEROISRON
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 9:28am

      @SPINELESSDAVE

      Way too funny! I just blew snot all over the wall!

      Report Post » MYHEROISRON  
    • mils
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 9:39am

      an “uncommon” cancer for an “uncommon” *******….WE HAVE OUR OWN “UNCOMMON” ******* IN CHARGE OF THE USA!!.. They’re buddies…so does that mean ******** of a feather travel together??? what/??
      Of course he’ll win the election. From what we read, “his people” have become really good at stuffing ballot boxes…

      Report Post »  
    • mwhaley
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:56am

      Chavez, You flew to Cuba. Hate to tell you Chavez budy,….your screwed! The Cubans all know to come to the U.S. for health care. Just asked the Mexicans.

      Report Post »  
  • spinelessdave
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:15am

    Once the tumor is removed he will be the first headless dictator…..!!!!!!

    Report Post » spinelessdave  
    • TheObamanation
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:26am

      Maybe Sean Penn can go to cuba and visit his two buddies … they could all watch dead man walking together … wouldn’t that be fun ?

      Report Post » TheObamanation  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:57am

      to: SPINELESSDAVE: Does this mean that the only one who realylikes him is a toumor? Not to worry…Cuba has such ultramodern tekniqes for this …let’s seee…machetti, chainsaw,tinsnips and a good-old U.S.A.-made 1933Singer-sewingmachine. I don’t think we can keep up with that.

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:58am

      Chavez could always go to Gaza for a Hamas haircut…’just about a foot off the top, please’…

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • chips1
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 5:41pm

      So Obama is now referred to as a tumor! Chavez needs a proctologist to remove him.

      Report Post »  
  • MrMagoo
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:36pm

    Sometimes when plain but nasty words are written,a person gets censored.No swearing,no profanity..just flat out opinion.the truth has no agenda…squeek.
    Have a nice day Hugo.With butterflies,flowers and honey bee’s all around you ,hope all is well in your journey to a long healthy life.
    Sincerely,the powers that be on the bl…raging fire.

    squeek.

    Report Post » MrMagoo  
  • COFemale
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:35pm

    He must of heard about Castro’s excellent health care from Michael Moore. I’d love to wish him good health, but somehow I just can’t find it in me. Lord I apologize.

    I seem to be doing this a lot lately.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:26pm

    …
    Who gives a crap about Hugo Chavez?
    Why is this story even on The Blaze?

    Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:34pm

      Apparently, they have to cut him open and let the evil out.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • asybot12
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:35pm

      Venezuela as a matter of fact that whole region is very oil rich and even supplies the US and Canada with some, they are also in cahoots with the nut in Iran, Hezbolla and other terrorist organizations and the drug cartels important well you know just…maybe?

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:36pm

      So we can wish him well.

      (deep, deep sarcasm)

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • circleDwagons
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:23pm

    OK. i offer to treat him for free, i guarantee success. Viva Venezuela

    Report Post » circleDwagons  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:00pm

    After all his takeovers, somebody is taking him back.
    He‘s finding out that money and philosophy won’t save him.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • MrMagoo
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:50pm

    I must have stepped on some toes or somebody disagreed with my comments concerning Hugo.

    Come on Blaze,quit censoring.The Truth Has No Agenda

    Report Post » MrMagoo  
  • Pigpen
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:46pm

    Ha! Cuba? CUBA? HA! My big, fat, white, @SS that coward went to CUBA for medical care! Somebody with both b@lls and press credentials should shoot down to Tulane’s Medical Center and check in on all the Venezuelan patients named “Juan Garcia” being treated for cancer. I will even bet dollars to doughnuts that there will be flowers from one Barry Soetoro at ol‘ Juan’s bedside…

    Report Post » Pigpen  
  • THXll38
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:45pm

    Wonder when Micheal Moore will be flying to Cuba to get some much needed liposcution sine the US health care system sucks — according to him of course.

    Report Post » THXll38  
  • chameleonx
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:35pm

    Please get better Hugo! You’re a great inspiration to myself and countless others. Viva la revolution!

    Report Post »  
    • TheObamanation
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:01pm

      Wow … you don’t set the bar very high

      Report Post » TheObamanation  
    • chameleonx
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:08pm

      Hugo Chavez is one of the few modern leaders who actually care for their country and the people. Can you say that about President Obama or Prime Minister Cameron? No! A people divided will fall; a people united will stand.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:39pm

      You are apparently off your meds again also.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • chameleonx
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:47pm

      No, I do not medication or narcotics. Just TLC for myself.

      Report Post »  
    • Angry Redneck
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 8:13am

      “Hope and Change” , Hope Hugo sir comes to Devil called cancer, and Venezuelan finally gets change!

      Report Post » Angry Redneck  
    • geonj
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 1:54am

      and such a free press in venezuela.

      Report Post » geonj  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:34pm

    Do you think maybe God is telling him something??

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • TheObamanation
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:29pm

    I wonder why he doesn’t trust the doctors in his own country …

    Report Post » TheObamanation  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:37pm

      Elitest don’t trust their own doctors.. they want high dollar dr‘s who don’t kill the patient.. thats probably why.. He just might be afraid of his own.. After all he is a dictator!

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • elvisroy0000
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:28pm

    Newt 2012

    Report Post » elvisroy0000  
  • elvisroy0000
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:27pm

    this is Roy harley Campaign Leader for the Newt Gingrich campaign in Erie pa hopefully Newt Gingrich as President will stop Socialist Dictators from recieving Medical attention this is my opinion Not Newts

    Report Post » elvisroy0000  
  • Cymry
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:26pm

    Does anyone remember Alexander Litvinenko? Well, Hugo had it right, he’s been poisoned.

    Report Post » Cymry  
  • hauschild
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:25pm

    “It’s NOT a toom-ah!”

    Report Post »  
  • ARealCharliesAngel
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:16pm

    Sean Penn must weep tonight….wishing him much comfort in homage to his Socialist King Friend!

    Report Post » ARealCharliesAngel  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:12pm

    “We are a people of troubles”.

    Yes, we all know. And you are the trouble, you dumb ass.

    Why do these socialists always blames others for their troubles, even when they have absolute complete power?

    Obama is doing this right now. He desperately wants higher gas prices, because he hates the oil companies, but it makes him angry that republicans benefit from higher gas prices. He is actually complaining that republicans are benefiting from higher gas prices even as he refuses to drill! LOL!

    Report Post »  
  • R.A. Bullseye
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:11pm

    too much red meat for Hugo.

    Report Post »  
  • right-wing-waco
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:11pm

    Interesting… he is not coming to the USA for treatment.

    Report Post »  
  • 00gabooga
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:11pm

    If they remove the entire cancerous tumor there will only be 3 pounds of tissue left.

    Report Post » 00gabooga  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:08pm

    From what I heard, Hugo got to Cuba and they discovered a fist sized tumor up his butt, when the doctor went in to remove it, the tumor spoke “Hey Doc, can you get this 200lb growth off me, it’s killing me, and it wont shut up.”

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • GMAN455
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:04pm

    The scent of sulfur is getting stronger call Shaun Penn or the Bamster for some Obamaville care lol

    Report Post » GMAN455  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:58pm

    Anyone think he may soon be having a face to face discussion with God?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:05pm

      One foot in the grave, and the other on a banana peel.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:19pm

      I don’t think God will take this meeting, he may send one of his former Angels to talk to him, or as the church lady used to say…..“SATAN”.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
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