Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's health condition may be far more grave than his government is reporting.

 

CARACAS - Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has between nine and twelve months to live if he continues to refuse the necessary treatment for his cancer, according to a confidential medical report obtained by Spain's ABC news agency.   

 

The confidential report states that Chavez has so far refused to accept more intense cancer treatment, because it would force him to temporarily leave his presidential duties, according to the latest medical examination by specialists who are treating him.

 

From the medical tests that were administered December 30th, doctors concluded that "his health seems to be deteriorating at a faster pace, clearly there has been metastases into the bones and spinal cord."

 

This information was contained in a confidential report prepared by medical staff with access to Chavez, which is typically guarded by Venezuelan intelligence services. ABC news agency of Spain reports that it had been able to read the report in its entirety.

 

The last report, from January 12th, specifies that the Venezuelan president "received in the past month increased doses of painkillers and stimulants," which could explain the increase in public activity he has been undertaking recently.

 

But the seriousness of his condition was confirmed in the medical exam that took place on December 30th, which identified "a new carcinogenic growth of approximately 2 x 1.5 mm in the upper segment of the colon."

 

This new clinical outlook drastically reduces Chavez's life expectancy. In November, doctors talked about a year, but now the worst case scenario is only nine months, which means that the Venezuelan president could succumb to his cancer before the October 7th election. Or, in the case that he lives long enough to see the elections through, he would most certainly be taking a very strong regimen of morphine, which would more than likely make him unable to exercise his duties in office.

 

Official optimism

 

The Venezuelan government maintains officially that Chavez's cancer has been cured. But the details contained in the confidential report tell a far different story. The Wall Street Journal has been reporting for months some of the data from the confidential medical reports, but Spain's ABC news agency says that it has the information to confirm, and also expand upon these reports much more conclusively.

 

Chavez's prostate cancer was detected in January of 2011, and he underwent two treatments in June in Havana, the first led by a Venezuelan doctor, and the second by Russian doctors that have continued the treatment since then. The diagnosis stated in the confidential report: "Prostate cancer complicated with colon and bone metastases." Life expectancy: "Five years, possibly more with good care."

 

Chavez underwent an operation to remove his prostate, but chose not to surgically treat the colon. He decided instead to treat his colon cancer with chemotherapy, and soon underwent the first round. To get the proper treatment, he planned a secret trip to Moscow.

 

A review of the August 1st notes shows that the first round of chemo did not produce the desired results, because "some cancerous growths continue to increase in size." Between the 2nd and 5th of September, Chavez underwent the second round of chemotherapy in Venezuela. Days later, Chavez fell unconscious on two occasions, and one of them required some recovery time.

 

In October, Chavez underwent the third round of chemotherapy. Doctors noted an "aggressive tumor with complicated metastases in pelvic region and spinal column." Life expectancy: "Not more than three years if the tumor cannot be eradicated." The next treatment took place at the Venezuelan military base of La Orchila, where an area has been built as a private hospital for Chavez.

 

Disobeying the Doctors

 

In late October, the medical team discovers a "clear and significant growth of cancer cells in bone marrow." They conclude that "the extent of disease is accelerating." On November 19th, Chavez was subjected to a fourth round of chemotherapy. However, "the cancer has continued to spread to the bones." Life expectancy: "About twelve months, assuming patient continues to refuse the recommended, more intense treatment."

 

New tests carried out between the 4th and the 6th of December discovered that "the number of cancer cells in patient's bones is the highest since the start of observation."

 

Chavez was examined in more depth on December 30th. "His health appears to be deteriorating at a faster pace," noted one of the cancer specialists. Doctors declared "unsuccessful" the efforts to "slow down and stop bone metastases," and noted, "There has clearly been bone and spinal cord metastases." The tests also detected "a new cancerous growth about 2 x 1.5 mm in the upper segment of the colon." Life expectancy: "Between nine and twelve months" if patient keeps refusing the appropriate treatment.

 

According to the latest report, dated January 12th, Chavez has begun "an increase in the dose of painkillers and stimulants that has helped give the impression that he is stabilized, which has allowed him a high level of public visibility". During an annual address to the assembly, Chavez spoke for 8 hours while standing, a feat that his advisors touted as proof that he was telling the truth about his cancer. The reports seem to indicate that he could have been medicated with stimulants at the time, allowing him the appearance of normal health. 

 

Translated by AmericasForum.com from ABC.es report.