Sean Penn and Oliver Stone already preparing a eulogy for their rotting comrade.

(CNN) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s stay in Cuba, where he is being treated for cancer, could last for months, the country’s vice president told a Colombian radio station.

Vice President Elias Jaua told W Radio Friday that Chavez would return to Venezuela “before 180 days.”

The timetable is much larger than initial government claims that Chavez would return by July 5.

Chavez this week admitted that he had a cancerous tumor removed and was undergoing further treatment.

The announcement confirmed rumors as his stay in Cuba extended, despite government reports that he had undergone a simple procedure.

So far, the government says that Chavez is remotely carrying out all his duties and is not in any form incapacitated in a way that would prevent him from doing so. From Cuba, Chavez has overseen a prison standoff that is going on its third week, and has given his ministers orders, officials have said.