Dave Coulier, here in 2017, has cancer. (Kathryn Page/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
Actor and comedian Dave Coulier, best known as Uncle Joey on the hit show Full House, recently opened up about his battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Coulier discussed his diagnosis and ongoing treatment during an interview on Today, where he spoke with co-anchor Hoda Kotb.
Coulier revealed that he learned of the diagnosis five weeks ago and has since undergone three surgeries, started chemotherapy, and experienced some hair loss. "I kind of look like a baby bird now," he joked, patting his head, "but it’s been a rollercoaster ride."
The comedian shared that he has “B cell lymphoma,” describing it as an aggressive form of the disease. Noticing an unusual swelling in his groin area, he said he initially thought, “Something’s not right, I have a golf ball down here.” After a biopsy confirmed the cancer, doctors urged him to begin chemotherapy immediately.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is among the more common cancers in the U.S., making up around 4 percent of all cases, according to the American Cancer Society.
Recalling the day he got the news, Coulier said he was alone at home. When he shared the diagnosis with his wife, Melissa, she thought he was joking at first. The next step was determining if the cancer had spread, and thankfully, tests showed his bone marrow was clear. “At that point, the curability rate went up to over 90 percent, so it’s very treatable,” he explained.
After a recent cold, Coulier noticed a rapid increase in the swelling within just five days. Although his blood work was normal, scans indicated "hot spots" in his neck and groin areas. He has now completed one round of chemotherapy, with his next session scheduled soon.
Coulier, an avid hockey fan, humorously mentioned he’s preemptively cut his hair short, making it easier to wear his hockey helmet and feel "more aerodynamic on the ice." He’s staying active and keeping a positive outlook, hoping to reach full remission by the end of his treatment in Februa
