Whoa:
The Indianapolis Colts will have to continue their franchise rebuilding project without head coach Chuck Pagano for the time being. Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star first reported that the team’s first-year head man has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
According to the American Cancer Society, “early diagnosis and treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia is important because patients with APL may develop serious blood-clotting or bleeding problems. This used to be treated with blood-thinning medicines, but is less often a problem now that treatment includes drugs like all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). Other treatments might include transfusions of platelets or other blood products.”
The ACS reports that early treatment, which may include chemotherapy, brings remission in 80-90 percent of patients.
“I met coach Pagano last Wednesday when he was evaluated for bruising, and that evaluation demonstrated changes that were consistent with acute leukemia,” Dr. Larry Cripe, Pagano’s specialist, said at the Colts’ Monday morning press conference. “He was hospitalized Wednesday night, and we began treatment at that time. I’m here today because the coach has asked me to be here. He wants to deal with this challenge in a very forthright fashion. Before I explain the treatment and diagnosis in general terms, I would like to emphasize a few things.
The rest here.