Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says the radiation therapy sessions he has been receiving in Cuba for cancer have had an impact on his health.
Chavez made his remarks Friday to thousands of his supporters at a rally to mark the 10th anniversary of his return to power after a two-day coup.
The Venezuelan leader, who has been traveling to and from Cuba for his latest rounds of radiation, says the treatments have affected his physical strength, but he is doing well.
He travels to Cuba Saturday for a radiation treatment. Chavez told the crowd he is considering staying in Cuba for an entire week, longer than his recent trips. He said to wanted to avoid "coming and going."
Little is known about the 57-year-old socialist leader's condition. Chavez has endured two surgeries since being diagnosed last year for what is believed to be an aggressive cancer.
He says the latest surgery was successful and that he will be fit to win a new six-year term in October. He has been in office for 13 years.
Chavez underwent an operation in February in Cuba to remove a tumor from his pelvic region. A tumor was removed from the same area last year.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
