Hugo Chávez given dire prognosis by physician: pelvic sarcoma, two years left

In recent weeks I've reported on the condition of Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, who is suffering from an undisclosed form of cancer. The illness was first acknowledged in June, and since then Chavez has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy in Havana. After the last, in Sept., Chávez returned to Caracas and declared himself cured.

But that's not the case, says Venezuelan physician and surgeon Salvador Navarrete, who claims he has treated Chávez in the past. The doctor says that Chávez had "a pelvic tumor, a sarcoma, very aggressive, with the life expectancy being no more than two years." Navarette was interviewed by the Mexican magazine Milenio, excerpts of which were quoted today in a U.S. newspaper. He said his information is based upon direct communications with members of Chávez' immediate family, who disclosed the diagnostic details. Navarette is not involved with Chávez' current cancer treatment.

Navarette also confirmed that in late September, after returning to Venezuela, Chávez suffered critical renal failure. He received emergency treatment at a military hospital, which included dialysis. I reported that story at the time, as did other news sources, but Chávez vigorously denied there had been any emergency. (http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/09/venezuelan-president-hugo-chavez.html#uds-search-results).

The doctor said that Chávez decided to receive medical treatment in Havana because "he doesn't trust anybody (in Venezuela), only the Cubans. He has abandoned all his own doctors,and placed himself in the hands of Cuban physicians." According to Navarette, Chávez is still receiving "aggressive chemotherapy." The Venezuelan president arrived on the island yesterday, allegedly for a routine checkup.

Navarette characterized Chávez as a man of "fine presence, a very magnetic personality." He said that Chávez is a heavy coffee drinker and an occasional smoker, and that he has been treated in the past for a manic-depressive condition.

Oct. 5, 2012 - As Venezuelans head to the polls, Hugo Chávez proves all the prophets wrong

Former U.S. ambassador reveals details of Chávez' condition: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/09/venezuelan-president-hugo-chavez-in.html.
How Chávez feels about one U.S. presidential candidate: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/10/hugo-chavez-lashes-out-at-mitt-romney.html.