World

Hugo Chavez Says He’s Fighting Cancer After Surgery

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez revealed Thursday night that he is fighting cancer after having a tumor removed in Cuba, but assured his countrymen that he is doing well as he sought to cool growing questions about his health and ability to govern.

Chavez said in a televised talk that the operation took out a growth in which there were “cancerous cells.” The 56-year-old president said the surgery was done after an initial operation nearly three weeks ago for the removal of a pelvic abscess.

He called his situation “this new battle that life has placed before us.”

Noticeably thinner and paler after his surgeries, Chavez read from a prepared speech with a sad and serious expression. He stood at a podium, flanked by the Venezuelan flag and a portrait of 19th century independence hero Simon Bolivar, the namesake of his Bolivarian Revolution political movement.

Chavez didn’t say what type of cancer was found or give any details on the treatment he is receiving. He said it was a mistake not have taken better care of his health through medical checkups.

“What a fundamental error,” he said.

Chavez also didn’t say how much longer he expected to remain in Cuba recovering, and there was no information on when or where his message was recorded.

His appearance came after government efforts, including Tuesday’s release of photos and video showing Chavez with Fidel Castro, had failed to quell growing speculation among Venezuelans about his health.

Citing Chavez’s health, the government announced Wednesday that it was canceling a two-day summit of Latin American leaders that Chavez would have hosted next week on the 200th anniversary of Venezuela’s declaration of independence from Spain.

Chavez’s revelation, and the lack of any return date, was likely to further generate speculation in Venezuela about which of the president’s allies could potentially take his place if necessary. Vice President Elias Jaua has led government events in Chavez’s absence, and the leftist president’s elder brother, Adan, recently stepped up his public profile by rallying supporters at a weekend prayer meeting for Chavez’s health.

A group of Chavez supporters gathered in Plaza Bolivar in downtown Caracas late Thursday chanting before television cameras: “Chavez, friend, the people are with you!”

There was no immediate reaction from the main opposition coalition, and several opposition leaders did not return calls seeking comment.

Chavez said his first surgery was carried out June 11 for a “strange formation in the pelvic region that required an emergency operation due to the imminent risk of a generalized infection.” It was previously thought the procedure was June 10.

After that surgery, Chavez said, doctors began to suspect other problems, and Castro brought him the news of the tumor. A series of tests “confirmed the presence of an abscessed tumor with the presence of cancerous cells, which made necessary a second operation that allowed for the complete extraction of the tumor,” he said.

He didn’t say when the second operation was performed.

Chavez said his condition has been “evolving satisfactorily while I receive a complementary treatment to combat the different types of cells found, and thereby continue on the path to my complete recovery.”

“Now I wanted to speak to you from this steep hill, from which I feel that I’m coming out of another abyss. … I think we’ve achieved it. Thank you, my God,” Chavez said.

After Chavez’s speech, the vice president appeared on television at the presidential palace, calling for support and unity among Venezuelans.

“It’s up to us, people and government, to keep advancing,” Jaua said, according to the state-run Venezuelan News Agency. “We feel extremely optimistic about this battle that President Chavez has begun for a full recovery of his health.”

Before Chavez’s appearance, some in the opposition had demanded more information about his condition. Some government opponents had also urged Chavez to temporarily cede his duties to the vice president while recovering in Cuba.

Chavez’s allies, however, insisted that he remains firmly in control of government affairs, even as he has been recovering.

In videos released Wednesday, Chavez animatedly discussed Latin American history and his days as an army paratrooper with Castro. Two of Chavez’s daughters and a granddaughter joined in the encounter as the two men sat chatting.

Finishing his speech Thursday, Chavez recited a revolutionary slogan often used by Castro: “Forever onward toward victory! We will be victorious!”

Before finishing, he added: “Until my return!”

After his appearance, some of his closest allies went on state television. National Assembly president Fernando Soto Rojas, standing alongside other supporters, said Chavez is in good hands in Cuba.

“We wish for him to get better soon! Onward, commander!”

___

Associated Press writer Fabiola Sanchez contributed to this report.

Comments (82)

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  • thegodfather
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:54am

    Hopefully Sean Penn has visited Hugo…or at least sent flowers…or a DVD of Fast Times At Ridgemont High…to brighten his spirits

    Report Post » thegodfather  
  • Jim in Houston
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:50am

    I would say it was cancer of the brain, but he doesn’t meet the prerequisite of having a brain.

    Report Post »  
  • DREDGE
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:49am

    Good riddance, a nice dark hole in the ground awaits, the sooner the better!

    Report Post »  
  • Gary_K
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:44am

    What I would like to know is, why did hogo have to leave his utopia for treatment? Isn’t his system one of the best?/ sarc

    Report Post »  
  • bringbackSAC
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:20am

    Too bad Dr. Jack is gone, sounds like you and your buddy Fidel could use his services.

    Report Post » bringbackSAC  
  • hauschild
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:19am

    Couldn’t happen to a worse person. I hope they plant him shortly.

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:09am

    He is a cancer on his country…..we have cancer here in America…..it is called socialism. Brought to you by Obama and the Democrats !

    Report Post »  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:01am

    No Need to fight it Hugo!!!! Just go away!!!!!!!! The people will rejoice in the the streets when you are finally gone!

    Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:36am

    Dear Hugo,
    Good luck with your cancer.
    See you soon,
    Love,
    Satan

    Report Post »  
  • TRUSTNO MAN
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:30am

    For what it is worth? Who said there is NO GOD? …..“the smell of sulphur still lingers”….. Watch the prices on Getty Oil!!!

    Report Post » TRUSTNO MAN  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:21am

    From what I have seen of people suffering with cancer, good or bad folks, we are indeed all still very human. This is something not wished deliberatly upon anyone. I pray for the people of Venuzuela that peaceful change may come soon and decisivly for their nation; and the power and control return in the fullest unto their hands.
    http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • NoIPhone
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:08am

    It is my prayer Mr. Chavez that you will seek God for your answers and when he shows you the path to healing you will turn back from the evil you have embraced. Forgiveness 7 times 70. Thank you Jesus.

    Report Post »  
  • MrUglyAmerican
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:01am

    I can think of no better end to a dictator who has spread the cancer of communism infecting and oppressing his nation for his own personal agenda and gain. One can only hope the people of Venezuela have had their fill of tyrants and seek democracy for their future.

    Report Post »  
  • quinteastwood
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:48am

    I have no comments left for this Dictatorship.If we want to remain The United States of America we must act with actions and not words,such as comments I see on this site.I mean how many here would give up their lives to defend our nation.Seriously let me hear you.I’ve put up my email for the last 2 weeks now about seriously laying the ground work for forming a Militia.I’m talking about the kind of Militia they had in our Founders day.
    People we need to get organized for what’s coming in 2012.I believe this election is already fixed,and if it’s not now it will be come election day.There will be voter intimidation,voter fraud..etc.
    I made a suggestion of having ex-military and ex-law enforcement citizens help with organizing this.We need to organize like the Tea party did from the ground up.
    We would have background checks so criminals would not be able to volunteer,since there would be training with weapons.
    Everything would be out in the open and legal.Our Constitution says we have the right to defend ourselves from a tyranical government.Here’s my email jerryb5353@yahoo.com
    I hope people will at least have a discussion about this.It will start slowly but I believe gain momentum.
    Obama said he wants to have a civilian force that’s bigger than the military,well lets give it to him.A civilian force made up of good decent citizens and not Goon Labor organiztions and Communist,Socialist,facists.Please can we stop talking and start acting..God Bless America

    Report Post » quinteastwood  
  • goldmankc
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:29am

    does he believe in god, allah, or krusty the clown?

    Report Post » goldmankc  
  • ares338
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:24am

    And I care, WHY?

    Report Post » ares338  
  • fightsocialismnow
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:35am

    My guess is that the reason he‘s getting healthcare in Cuba next to his ’ol buddy Fidel is because he’s paranoid the nurses in Venezuela mite poison him. And “Jeff Spicoli” said he’s beloved there by all. Puh-leaze! Just a thought…

    Report Post »  
  • dcwu
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:33am

    Frankly, I hope it kills him quickly. Every minute he lingers he wastes others’ lives. Think how things could have turned out if Lenin had died before the Bolsheviks seized power.

    Report Post »  
  • GadsdenPatriot
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:55am

    Soon there will be one less demon in the world. Maybe your pal, Jeff Spicoli will order a pizza for you before you die?

    Report Post » GadsdenPatriot  
  • An AmericanMom
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:58am

    Again, Move over Lindsey……. Hugo meet Karma…..Karma meet Hugo!
    Wow! Karma has been a very busy girl……this week.

    Report Post » An AmericanMom  
  • outrider
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:46am

    Glenn keeps telling us that God will sort things out. Dare I hope He has started with Hugo? Sorry, no sympathy here, and my only prayer is that Hugo and the rest of the tyrants in the world are taken sooner rather than later. Despite what Glenn says, I do not love Hugo and will welcome his demise. Wonder where Barry is on God’s list?

    Report Post »  
  • epmonroe
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:40am

    Luckily he’s under the care of a communist healthcare system.

    Report Post » epmonroe  
  • SavingtheRepublic.com
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:39am

    Oh but I thought he had great care in Cuba? Didnt they take care of all of it and remove the tumor? Didnt Michael ‘The Hut’ Moore say the care in Cuba is better than in the US?

    By the way if Chavez is running things so well in socialist Venezuela why did he have to go to Cuba in the first place for treatment? Mind you these are Emp. BHO’s favorite people and nations that he is trying to “raise” the horrible USA to the level of! NOT

    If you ask me Hugo someone’s knocking at your door.. karma stinks doesnt it! But in your case its bad karma! http://tinyurl.com/3tg4s98

    Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
  • CatB
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:15am

    I have no words .. “if you can’t say anything nice say nothing at all” …

    Report Post »  
  • dcwu
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:14am

    Sounds like the satan has plans for him elsewhere.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:44am

      Indeed, he may soon be facing the judgment all will undergo in the end; may there be mercy on his soul before the throne of the Almighty.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:51am

      What, they don’t have health care in Venezuela? Is he too good to get what his peasants get for health care? Or is it that he knows what kind of health care is available in Venezuela and zipped out of the country for something better. Bet that gives his peasants some confidence in their system.

      Report Post »  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:44am

      JUST LIKE WHEN DIFFERENT DEMOCRATS, INCLUDING KENNEDY, WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WE AS CONSERVATIVES NEVER WISHED THEM HARM.

      Though when Rush Limbaugh went to the hospital the Dems cheered. Hugo, we hope you recover, but at the same time we PRAY that you change your ways and start working to help your people.
      ( http://tiny.cc/053y5 )

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:28am

      I for the first time am really rooting foir cancer…

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:02am

      That was my thought (I know – bad) and I still hope in this case the cancer wins…..

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • canuck44
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:05am

      Colon Cancer as predicted….sounds like they threw the best part away. Pelvic abscess indicates he was perforated which means he has a belly full of cancerous cells which means he shouldn’t buy any long play records. The liver will be next or he will form carcinomatosis which is wide spread cancer cells throughout his belly. Either way he is now AMF = Adios Mother F….er.

      Report Post »  
    • Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:33am

      Getting cancer has nothing to do with karma, good men get cancer too.
      Getting cancer has nothing to do with quality of health care in Cuba, people in the American health system get cancer.

      Love him or hate him. He is still a human.

      Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • liriadavila
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:59pm

      He is human with evil thoughts

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:17am

      Hey Chavez! What goes around comes around, you lousy peasant!

      Report Post »  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:36am

      Hey Hugo…Could you take “Spooky Dude” Soros with you?? You know kind of like a carpool to H***??….Just sayin’

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
    • BONETRAUMA
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 7:54am

      Bush did it to him! Hahahahaha!

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:23am

      “God acts in mysterious ways His miracles to perform”. Illness was the cause of Fidel Castro’s step down from his “throne” in Cuba and apparently Hugo Chavez is on the verge of doing the same. Will Chavez‘s socialistic policies continue to dictate the government’s agenda in Venezuela after Chavez is gone ? Hopefully it will return to democracy. My message to Chavez is, ” Turn out the lights, the party is over “.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:35am

      .
      And George “el Diablo” Bush Giggle’s……….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 8:38am

      Couldn’t happen to a better guy , huh ?

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 9:47am

      I never wished anyone ill will until now. Lets all hope this PoS Dictator kicks the bucket in Cuba that has the best Health Care in the world (chuckle) before this petty Communist destroys anymore of Venezuela and harms it people. When **** hits the fan for this piss-ants Cancer he butt better not be coming to America to get the BEST Health Care in the world!!

      Report Post »  
    • seanscythe
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:12am

      Go Cancer Go! Go Cancer Go!

      Report Post » seanscythe  
    • THE-FINAL-ACT
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:19pm

      They all cry out for Jesus in the end.

      Report Post » THE-FINAL-ACT  
    • NuffSaid
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 6:58pm

      You go, cancer!

      Report Post »  
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