Indianapolis, IN – Doctors have informed Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano that his cancer is currently in remission, according to various reports.
Pagano's oncologist, Dr. Larry Cripe, stated on Monday that the first-year head coach has passed the standard test administered to patients diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Cripe said that Pagano's white blood cell count is presently normal and there was no indication of the disease in his bone marrow at this time.
The news comes one day after Pagano visited his team following its 23-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins and gave an emotional postgame speech to his players and staff members.
The 52-year-old Pagano still must undergo another two rounds of chemotherapy, however, followed by a maintainance program for approximately two more years before being declared cured.
"We need to keep going and we will not be able to use the word 'cure' for four or five years," Cripe told the Indianapolis Star.
According to the paper, those afflicted with acute promyelocytic leukemia have a cure rate between 80 to 90 percent.
Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia in late September and took an indefinite leave of absence from the Colts during the team's Week 4 bye. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has been serving as head coach in the interim.
Indianapolis has gone 4-1 with Arians in command and posted its third consecutive win with Sunday's triumph over the Dolphins. With a surprising 5-3 record at the season's halfway point, the Colts are currently in contention for an AFC playoff berth.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.