Hugo Chávez may undergo chemo or radiotherapy

On Tuesday, Chávez exercised with some members of his cabinet at the Venezuelan Military Academy, southwest Caracas (File photo: EFE)

Chávez's Health
Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez said on Wednesday that his illness could go through a "third phase," in which he could undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

"After the tumor was removed there has been an optimal level of recovery (...) We are now starting a second phase and maybe a third phase that will likely require the application of radiotherapy or chemotherapy to try to armor the body against threatening malignant cells," Chávez told state-run television channel VTV in a phone call.

The Venezuelan head of state said that he could not provide further details about his health because the evolution of his recovery has not been fully determined. He added that he will meet the "Medical Joint Chiefs of Staff" to know more details "organ by organ" about his health.

He did not mention the part of his body in which the cancer is located. However, he denied rumors that he has colon or stomach cancer.

"They say that my colon is cut in four sections, that my stomach is cut: Neither my colon nor my stomach is cut. I think that they should have realized that by now, after witnessing the activities I have been doing during this phase. I have cancer, but not in the way some would want," Chávez said. He recalled that when Argentine leader Eva Perón had cancer "the bourgeoisie painted graffiti on the walls saying "Long live cancer!"

President Chávez said that he does not believe he is unexpendable. However, he thinks that he still has some things to do for Venezuela and the revolution.

Chávez added that he is learning to "delegate" and let his ministers act and work independently.

"I do not think I am unexpendable. A process is under way here and I am playing a role," he added.

He stressed that he has to make reports about his health "for both, those who love me and those who do not like me very much," for his position as president.

"I feel better than ever. We are in a time of resurrection (...) I am a human being in a spiritual renewal process," he said.

He reiterated that he is following medical instructions to the letter. "I was killing myself. I ate all kind of food; I was as large as a tank; I used three telephones; I watched something on TV and called immediately a minister (...) People gave me notes asking for things. I lived in permanent anxiety, which prevented me even from breathing, and it was all my fault," Chávez said. He added that he lost almost 31 pounds in the last month.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas