Former minister and former federal deputy José Dirceu (PT-SP) was admitted to the Sírio-Libanês hospital, in São Paulo, on the 10th, for tests that revealed the diagnosis of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). According to a medical bulletin released by the hospital this Friday, the 15th, Dirceu is in good clinical condition, but will remain hospitalized to begin treatment for the disease.
The PT member will be under the care of doctors Raul Cutait, Roberto Kalil and Celso Arrais.
At the end of March, the former minister celebrated his 80th birthday in a restaurant on Lago Sul in Brasília, when he called on the PT to go to the polls to elect Lula. Ministers from the Lula government and parliamentarians from various parties, from the left, right and center, participated in the event.
Impeached in 2005 by the Chamber, after his involvement in the Mensalão scandal – for which he would later be convicted and arrested – Dirceu decided to run again for a seat in the Legislative House. At the 80th birthday party, a campaign jingle was even presented.
To a friend, Dirceu said he had been suspicious since January, when he felt the first symptoms, but thought it was nothing. He also stated that he will begin chemotherapy at the weekend and that he will maintain the campaign. He intends to do lives, and bet on the virtual. Regarding the disease, he said “he will overcome this one”.
When contacted, Dirceu’s advisor confirmed that he will record a video and maintain the campaign for the Chamber of Deputies.
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