BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentine President Cristina Fernandez is cracking jokes and insisting she will never give up after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

In her first appearance since the cancer announcement, Fernandez joked about her difficulties in delegating power while warning allies not to sabotage her government's accomplishments in social justice and economic growth.

She also asked for help, saying that, "One person alone can't do it all. ... The body can't handle it."

View Comments

Fernandez will undergo surgery next Wednesday and then leave her vice president in charge for 20 days, but she has never been comfortable delegating power. Doctors expect a speedy recovery, since this kind of cancer is highly curable without chemotherapy.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.