Dave Coulier, the beloved actor known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the iconic sitcom Full House, has revealed some challenging news: he has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which he described as "very aggressive." This diagnosis has initiated what Coulier calls a "roller coaster ride" of emotions and treatments since he first learned of his condition last month.
The 65-year-old actor opened up about his health struggles during interviews with several media outlets, including People magazine. He explained how his health quickly changed after developing what he initially thought was just the flu. He recalls dismissing concerns about swelling he noticed in his lymph nodes, attributing it to complications from an upper respiratory infection he battled last October.
When he noticed the swelling had grown significantly—reaching the size of a golf ball—Coulier sought medical help. The results were shocking. "I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming. This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journe" he expressed.
His diagnosis came shortly after undergoing several tests, including PET and CT scans. Within days of the initial observation, Coulier found himself facing the harsh realities of cancer. He shared, "Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, 'We wish we had a bit of news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and it's called B cell...it's very aggressive.'" This news, he admitted, was overwhelming.
Interestingly, the prognosis wasn't as bleak as it initially seemed. After undergoing more tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, it turned out his cancer has not spread to his bone marrow, improving his chances of recovery significantly. "At one point, my chances of being curable went from something low to the 90% range, so I was pretty excited about those results; it was like, ‘what a relief,’" Coulier remarked.
The support of loved ones has been instrumental through this process. His wife, Melissa Bring, has played a pivotal role, as have his Full House co-stars. John Stamos, who played Jesse Katsopolis on the show, publicly pledged his support for Coulier. Posting on Instagram, Stamos shared nostalgic photos from their long-standing friendship. "My brother from day one. Love you, Dave, and I’ll be by your side through it all," he wrote.
Following Stamos's post, other cast members, including Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin, also voiced their support on their respective social media accounts. Bure, who portrayed the eldest Tanner daughter, DJ, expressed her commitment to stand by Coulier and his family during this tough time.
Coulier has begun chemotherapy treatment, and humorously noted how it's affecting his appearance: "I’ve lost a little bit of hair; I kind of look like a baby bird now" he joked, trying to lighten the mood amid such serious news. The actor has been utilizing this time to reflect on life and the camaraderie developed over decades spent with the Full House cast.
The bond formed between the Full House cast members has only strengthened since they dealt with the death of their patriarch Bob Saget, who died unexpectedly earlier this year. This shared grief deepens their relationships and serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and support. Coulier articulated this sentiment, saying, "We’ve been there for so many years for each other, and it’s pretty remarkable how we’ve always been able to lean on one another throughout our journeys."
Coulier also noted the significance of his recent familial milestones, including the impending arrival of his first grandchild. His son, Luc, and his wife, Alex, are expecting their baby due later this year. "There’s so much to look forward to. I’m really excited about being a grandfather," he shared.
With humor and positivity as his guiding lights, Coulier continues to embrace life, determined not to let his diagnosis overshadow the joy around him. He has plans to share his cancer experience through various platforms, including his Full House Rewind podcast, where he reflects on his career, life lessons, and growth.
On his podcast, he discussed how revisiting memories from Full House has impacted his outlook. "I never watched Full House much after it ended because I was too busy. But now, experiencing the show from start to end, I get to appreciate my time and the laughter we had on set," he said.
Through his battle against cancer, Dave Coulier exemplifies resilience. He aims to bring awareness to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and inspire others facing their health battles. "I would rather talk about it and open the discussion and inspire people," he stated, showcasing his commitment to making the most of his situation.
