Colts coach Chuck Pagano finishes chemotherapy

• Pagano concludes third and final round of chemotherapy Tuesday in battle with leukemia
• Pagano's doctor says medically 'it's very possible' coach can return to sidelines for Dec. 30 finale
• Pagano has been on indefinite leave since being diagnosed with leukemia Sept. 26

INDIANAPOLIS -- Chuck Pagano's return to the sideline this season remains a real possibility after the Indianapolis Colts head coach concluded a third and final round of chemotherapy Tuesday in his battle with leukemia.

"I'm fully supportive, and I have my fingers crossed that he'll be there on the sideline if that's where he wants to be," Dr. Larry Cripe of IU Health Simon Cancer Center said Tuesday evening.

That conceivably could be the regular-season finale Dec. 30 against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Cripe noted the decision will be made jointly by Pagano and the organization.

"Things are going well," Cripe said. "He's received all of the chemotherapy he was to receive. Now it's just a matter of over the next couple of weeks recovering back to health. He can start conditioning and moving towards what he wants to do, which is return to coaching."

Perhaps as soon as Dec. 30?

"Medically, I think it's very possible, and I think the coach will make the decision about how he's feeling and whether he's up to the task," Cripe said. "Then, the organization will make a decision.

"It's feasible. It's possible. Is it definite? No. I definitely think that's where we're heading, and we have our fingers crossed that things go well and he's able to do it."

Pagano has been on indefinite leave since being diagnosed with leukemia Sept. 26. He endured three rounds of chemotherapy and felt well enough to attend the last two home games. It was announced Nov. 5 Pagano was in remission.

Cripe praised Pagano's positive approach throughout the process.

"He's been amazing in terms of his focus," he said. "He's done well enough he's focused on his diet and his conditioning. "He's done very well. But knock on wood. We've still got a couple more weeks to go."

Mike Chappell writes for the Indianapolis Star, a Gannett property.