Beloved sitcom star Dave Coulier shockingly announced his diagnosis of stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Best known for playing the affable Joey Gladstone on the hit 90s show “Full House,” Coulier shared his cancer journey in a powerful interview.
A Rapid Progression
It all started about a month ago when the 65-year-old comedian came down with a cold. Normally, Coulier would notice minor swelling in his lymph nodes, but this time was different. “It swelled up immediately,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’m either really sick, or my body’s really reacting to something.'”
Concerned by the rapid growth of the golf-ball-sized lymph node in his groin, Coulier immediately sought medical attention. Doctors ran tests, including a biopsy, and delivered the life-changing news: Coulier had stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
“I transitioned from having a mild cold to being diagnosed with cancer, and the experience was quite overwhelming,” Coulier acknowledged. The journey has been incredibly swift and unpredictable.
A Family History Of Cancer
Coulier’s diagnosis hits especially hard as he has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of cancer on his own family. He lost his mother and sister to breast cancer, and his niece also succumbed to the disease at just 29 years old. “I saw what those women in my family went through, and I thought to myself, ‘If I can be just 1/10th of a percent as strong as they were, then I’m going to be just fine.'” Coulier shared.
Drawing inspiration from his resilient female relatives, Coulier has chosen to approach his own cancer battle with unwavering positivity and determination. “I’m going to be strong throughout this, not just for me, but I’m going to be strong for [my wife] Melissa,” he said.
Aggressive Treatment And A Positive Outlook
Following his diagnosis, Coulier immediately began an aggressive course of chemotherapy. He shaved his head as a “preemptive strike” and has been open about his experience on his podcast, “Full House Rewind.”
“I started the podcast wearing a hat, and I said, ‘I’ve always been a man of many hats, but this hat has special significance because a couple of weeks ago, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,'” Coulier explained. “That was really a conscious decision to face this head-on, and I want people to know it’s my life,” Coulier explained. I’m not going to try and hide anything. I would prefer to discuss it, initiate a dialogue, and motivate others.
While the treatments have brought both beneficial and bad days, Coulier remains remarkably positive. “I have my positive days. I have my worst days,” he shared. “Some days are nauseous and dizzy, and then there are other days where the steroids kick in, and I feel like I have a ton of energy.”
In fact, the hockey enthusiast even managed to hit the ice for a skating session with friends during a stint of high energy. “We just skated around and shot pucks, and it was great to be out there doing what I love and trying to focus on all the great things in my life,” he said.
A Silver Lining
Despite the challenges, Coulier is looking forward to the arrival of his first grandchild. His son Luc and daughter-in-law Alex are expecting a baby boy in March, and Coulier can’t wait to teach the little one how to play hockey. “There’s a lot to look forward to,” Coulier beamed.
As he continues his cancer treatment, Coulier hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to prioritize their health and get regular check-ups. “Take great care of yourself, because there’s a lot to live for,” he advised.
With a 90% curability rate for his specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Coulier remains optimistic about his prognosis. “I’m going to be strong throughout this,” he said. “I’ve had an incredible life. I’ve had the most amazing people in my life. This has been an extraordinary journey, and I’m OK if this is the end of it.”
Table of Contents