Chavez in 'good health' after treatment : International

Mexico City, June 10 - Refuting media reports that claimed Hugo Chavez is not expected to live more than a few months, the 57-year-old Venezuelan president has said his latest medical tests show he is in good health.

Chavez, who has undergone three operations for cancer in the pelvic region and four courses of chemotherapy in Cuba and Venezuela within a year, said Saturday he had recently taken exams including a CAT scan and an MRI scan as part of scheduled checks, RIA Novosti reported.

Everything turned out absolutely fine, Chavez said at the presidential palace in Venezuelan capital Caracas.

After the operation and the radiotherapy, I feel very good, he said.

There has been much controversy around Chavez's cancer, but the leader, who has ruled Venezuela for 13 years, is hoping to be re-elected for another six-year term in October.

I have faith in god, in Christ the lord, in science and in my will to live so I can continue fighting for this country, Chavez said.

His only challenger in the upcoming presidential elections is 39-year-old opposition candidate Henrique Capriles.

A recent report by Spanish newspaper ABC, Chavez's battle with cancer has entered its last stage.

He is now taking an opiate 100 times stronger than morphine to relieve the severe pain and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, the report said.

The drugs are so potent that at any moment his body will not be able to tolerate them, the doctors treating him were quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

Sources said it was doubtful he will live to see the election results to be declared Oct 7.

The medical report, seen by the Spanish newspaper, said Chavez was also suffering from rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumour of the muscles attached to the bones.

Along with painkiller fentanyl, doctors have also prescribed bisphosphonate to combat the spread and corticosteroids to alleviate the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.