Beloved “Full House” actor Dave Coulier, best known for his role as Uncle Joey in the hit sitcom, is sharing a heartbreaking life update.
During an appearance on TODAY, the entertainer announced he has stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This condition involves cancerous lymph nodes found on both sides of the diaphragm, indicating a more extensive disease that may affect lymphatic tissue in other areas of the body.
While speaking with Hoda Kotb, he recounted the moment he realized something was wrong. Coulier explained that he first noticed symptoms several months ago when he came down with a cold. Shortly afterward, he discovered a large lump in his groin. “It swelled up immediately,” he said. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’m either really sick, or my body’s really reacting to something.’” It was during a visit to the doctor that he received his diagnosis five weeks ago, a revelation that came as a complete shock to him. He recalled, “The first thing I said to them was, ‘Wait a minute — cancer?’” He added, “I was feeling like I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you. You always hear about it happening to someone else.”
“You hear chemo, and it scares the daylights out of you,” he told the TODAY crew. “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?”
Dave Coulier announced on TODAY that he’s been diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system.
He shares the first symptom that led to his diagnosis, how he’s coping and more. pic.twitter.com/2MvxGITmsk
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 13, 2024
Coulier, who began chemotherapy two weeks after his diagnosis, now undergoes six rounds of treatment every three weeks. He anticipates finishing his treatment by February 2025.
Describing his health journey, he remarked, “It’s been a bit of a roller coaster. There are days when I feel unbelievable. Then there are other days where … I’m just going to lay down and let this be what it’s going to be.”
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he mentioned that doctors initially informed him his cancer is “very aggressive,” and said has experienced both “good days” and “bad days” since starting the chemotherapy.
“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,” he continued. “I actually skated yesterday with some friends here in Detroit. We just went and skated around and shot pucks, and it was wonderful just to be out there doing something that I love and just trying to stay focused on all the great stuff that I have in my life.”
Coulier, whose family has been touched by cancer, including the losses of his mother and sister Sharon, expressed deep gratitude for his wife and son, who have been incredibly supportive during this challenging time.
