Chavez surprises with plan to get chemo in Cuba
By IAN JAMES
Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela -- President Hugo Chavez's fight against cancer has
taken another surprising turn, with Venezuela's leftist leader
announcing plans to fly back to Cuba on Saturday to begin chemotherapy.
Chavez has kept a close lid on information about his health problems
over the past month but has made headlines with unexpected announcements
and appearances.
The latest came Friday after Chavez met with Peruvian President-elect
Ollanta Humala, then told reporters he was asking permission from
lawmakers to return to Havana. That's where he spent much of June
undergoing surgeries to remove an abscess and a cancerous tumor in his
pelvic region before making a surprise return home July 4.
"This second phase will begin in the next days with the application of
chemotherapy, scientifically planned, in detail," Chavez said on the
steps of the presidential palace. "I am sure, I repeat, that the second
stage will contribute to following the path to the recuperation of my
health."
It was not clear how long Chavez planned to remain in Cuba.
Chavez said he was sending a letter to the president of Venezuela's
National Assembly, Fernando Soto Rojas, to request immediate
"legislative authorization" for his trip as required by the constitution.
The National Assembly called a special session for Saturday morning to
take up the president's request, said legislator Alfonso Marquina, an
opposition leader.
Chavez's allies hold a majority of seats in the assembly.
Marquina told The Associated Press that opposition lawmakers intended to
vote in favor of granting the president a "temporary absence." He said
they also hoped to receive "a medical report that dispels doubts for all
Venezuelans about what the president's true state of health is."
Marquina said he and other opposition politicians think Vice President
Elias Jaua should temporarily assume Chavez's duties while the president
is away receiving treatment.
The 56-year-old's cancer diagnosis has thrown uncertainty into
Venezuela's political landscape. Chavez, who has held dominant power
during more than 12 years in office, has said he's confident he will
rebound but has also admitted a long road to recovery remains.
Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba on June 20 to remove a cancerous tumor
from his pelvic region. He has said the tumor was the size of a
baseball, but has not specified where it was located or said what kind
of cancer was involved.
He received a hero's welcome from supporters upon his return and has
since kept up near daily public appearances. He's rallied crowds from
the presidential palace and in a downtown plaza, presided at Cabinet
meetings, addressed troops and generally sought to reassure Venezuelans
that he is firmly in control in spite of his illness.
Yet he has also reminded his audiences of the challenges he faces,
frequently saying he is fighting for his life and is under doctors'
orders to not overexert himself.
He acknowledged on Wednesday for the first time that he expected to
undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment, which he said would "armor
the body against new malignant cells."
Chavez spent much of June in Cuba without revealing much about his
medical state. On June 30, he announced on television that doctors had
removed the tumor in the second of two surgeries.
During the past two weeks, Chavez's Twitter account has posted a flurry
of messages commenting on everything from the Venezuelan soccer team's
performance to a concert led by Venezuelan-born conductor Gustavo
Dudamel. He's also appeared on television leading Cabinet meetings and
attending Mass.
Chavez, who is up for re-election next year, has sought to project
confidence while often telling supporters: "We will live!"
His revelation of his trip to Cuba came after reports from Brazil said
the Venezuelan leader could undergo his next round of treatment at the
Sirio-Libanes Hospital in Sao Paulo, which is considered one of the best
hospitals in South America.
As they began their meeting at the presidential palace, Humala told
Chavez: "Count on our prayers."
"You still have to fulfill a mission with your people as president,"
Humala said.
---
Associated Press writer Fabiola Sanchez contributed to this report.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/15/2316331/perus-new-leader-humala-visits.html
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