Dave Coulier, beloved for his role as Joey Gladstone on the iconic sitcom “Full House,” shared a personal health update on Wednesday, revealing that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a serious form of blood cancer.
During a candid conversation with Hoda Kotb on the “Today” show, the 65-year-old actor explained that he received the diagnosis just five weeks prior and has already undergone three surgeries as part of his treatment plan. Sharing a lighthearted moment, he joked, “I’ve lost a little bit of hair. I kind of look like a little baby bird now.”
Coulier first sensed something was wrong when he experienced cold symptoms coupled with a significant swelling of a lymph node located near his groin, which alarmingly grew to the size of a golf ball within just a few days.
“It swelled up immediately,” Coulier recalled in an interview on Today.com. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’m either really sick, or my body’s really reacting to something.’” He would soon discover the cause of his symptoms was more severe than he initially suspected.
Upon visiting his doctor for tests, Coulier was met with the life-altering news of his diagnosis. “The first thing I said to them was, ‘Wait a minute — cancer?’” he expressed, adding that the revelation felt like “I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you. You always hear about it happening to someone else.” This profound shock marked the beginning of his battle with cancer.
After confirming that the cancer was at Stage 3—indicating that it had not yet metastasized beyond the lymphatic system—Coulier jumped into action by starting chemotherapy immediately, which included a surgical procedure to install a port that would facilitate the delivery of his treatment medications.
As he began chemotherapy, Coulier admitted to feeling apprehensive about the process. “You hear chemo, and it scares the daylights out of you,” he stated. “The first round was pretty intense because you don’t know what to expect. You don’t know how you’re going to feel. Is this going to hit me immediately? Is it going to be devastating? Am I going to walk out of here?”
Coulier is set to receive a total of six rounds of chemotherapy scheduled every 21 days, with the treatment anticipated to conclude by February. Reflecting on his medical journey, he described it as “a bit of a roller coaster,” noting that there are days when he feels fantastic, while on other days, the fatigue and side effects lead him to simply rest and take the experience as it comes.
Fortunately, with the cancer remaining confined within the lymphatic system, Coulier emphasized a silver lining: the curability rate for his type of cancer exceeds 90%. “It’s very treatable,” he reassured viewers with optimism about his path to recovery.
Watch Coulier’s full appearance on “Today” here.
**Interview with Dave Coulier: A Candid Conversation About His Cancer Diagnosis**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dave. We appreciate you taking the time to share your personal journey regarding your recent health diagnosis.
**Dave Coulier:** Thank you for having me. It’s been quite a whirlwind, and I feel it’s important to share my experience.
**Interviewer:** You recently shared your diagnosis of Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Can you explain how this experience began for you?
**Dave Coulier:** Certainly. It all started with what I thought were just cold symptoms. But then I noticed a lump near my groin that grew alarmingly fast, like the size of a golf ball! It was pretty shocking, and at that moment, I knew something wasn’t right.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly alarming. What went through your mind when you received the diagnosis?
**Dave Coulier:** Honestly, when I heard the word “cancer,” it felt like I got punched in the stomach. It’s a gut-wrenching moment. You always think these things happen to other people, not you!
**Interviewer:** You mentioned you’ve already undergone three surgeries. How have you been coping with the treatment so far?
**Dave Coulier:** It’s been a challenge, but I try to keep a sense of humor about it. I joked that I look like a little baby bird now since I’ve lost some hair! Laughter has always been my coping mechanism, especially during tough times.
**Interviewer:** That’s a great attitude to have. Have you received support from friends and family during this time?
**Dave Coulier:** Absolutely. The outpouring of love and support has been phenomenal. It really makes a difference when people rally around you. It gives you strength.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what’s your outlook on recovery and what’s next for you in this journey?
**Dave Coulier:** I’m optimistic. I’m in great hands with my medical team, and I’m taking it one step at a time. My focus is on fighting this, and I’m determined to share my journey in hopes it helps others facing similar battles.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dave. Your story truly resonates, and we wish you all the best on your path to recovery.
**Dave Coulier:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and hope to inspire others to stay strong.