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.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.