I tend to be skeptical of reports like these: too much of an opportunity for there to be a miracle recovery (right before the election) that somehow demonstrates the superhuman quality of an annointed leader and convinces the illiterate peasantry that it’s their duty to vote for him. So sorry, I’ll wait until the guy is confirmed at room temperature to take news like this without a grain of salt.
If Chavez wished to feed a story to the American media, whom would he likely pick? A well known reporter who is easily taken in by things like forged documents, but who still enjoys a loyal following on the left.