(RxWiki News) Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela, is fighting for his life. Whatever kind of cancer he has is roaring back to life. He’s currently in Havana, Cuba for surgery.
Chavez told the world a few days ago that his cancer had returned despite 18 months of treatment. The surgery has been described as "delicate."
Venezuela Information Minister, Ernesto Villegas, said in a statement, "The medical team has conveyed its optimism about the success of this operation, which is part of the treatment plan that Commander Hugo Chavez is following in order to fully recover.".
The colorful and controversial dictator was diagnosed with what’s now being described as “pelvic cancer” in June of 2011. Eight months later, it came back and he underwent more treatment. Chavez has had surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Earlier, a Washington correspondent for a Spanish newspaper reports the cancer has traveled to his bones. Emil J. Blasco is quoted by Fox News Latino as saying Chavez is in “severe pain in the left femur and serious walking difficulties."
Re-elected to another presidency term on October 7th, Chavez wasn’t seen in public for five weeks. During the campaign, he was dogged about the status of his cancer. He kept assuring crowds that he was well enough to serve out another 6-year term.
After announcing that his cancer had returned, Chavez told the people of Venezuela that he wanted Vice President Nicolas Maduro to be his successor if "something were to happen that would incapacitate me."
There’s no word on how long Chavez will stay in Cuba. All representatives have said is that he’ll be back for the inauguration on January 10, 2013.
