Dave Coulier, ‘Full House’ Star, Announces Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis: “I Felt Like I Got Punched in the Stomach”
2024-11-13
Author: Kai
In a heartfelt revelation, Dave Coulier, beloved star of the classic sitcom "Full House," shared on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a serious form of blood cancer. Speaking candidly during an appearance on the “Today” show with Hoda Kotb, the 65-year-old actor described the shocking moment he received the news.
Coulier, who was diagnosed about five weeks ago, underwent three surgeries and has already begun chemotherapy treatments. He humorously noted the impact of treatment on his appearance, saying, “I’ve lost a little bit of hair. I kind of look like a little baby bird now.”
His health issues began with what he initially thought was a routine cold, which escalated when a lymph node near his groin swelled to the size of a golf ball within days. Reflecting on this alarming sign, Coulier stated, “It swelled up immediately. I thought, ‘Wow, I’m either really sick, or my body’s really reacting to something.’”
When the doctor delivered the news of his cancer diagnosis, Coulier was understandably taken aback. “The first thing I said to them was, ‘Wait a minute — cancer?’” he recalled. The overwhelming news felt like a severe blow, leaving him stunned as he admitted, “It felt like I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you. You always hear about it happening to someone else.”
Fortunately, Coulier’s cancer is still contained within the lymphatic system, with a curability rate exceeding 90%. With this positive outlook, he started chemotherapy immediately and underwent a surgical procedure to install a port for medication administration.
The treatment journey has proven to be challenging. Coulier candidly described the emotional roller coaster of chemotherapy, saying, “You hear chemo, and it scares the daylights out of you. The first round was pretty intense because you don’t know what to expect.” He shared the uncertainty of how the treatments would affect him, pondering, “Is this going to hit me immediately? Is it going to be devastating? Am I going to walk out of here?”
Coulier is set for six rounds of chemotherapy, expecting to complete his treatment by February. He emphasized the ups and downs of this experience, noting, “There are days where 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. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster.”
As he navigates this challenging journey, Coulier’s determination and humor shine through, reminding many of the resilience that can accompany even the toughest battles against illness. Support has poured in from fans and colleagues alike, demonstrating the depth of love and respect they hold for the actor whose legacy in entertainment continues to touch lives.