Dave Coulier, Full House star and father figure to generations of TV fans, has been diagnosed with cancer.
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The 65-year-old was diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October after suffering from an upper respiratory infection that led to significant swelling in his lymph nodes.
As his swelling rapidly escalated, with one area expanding to the size of a golf ball, he recalls his doctor recommending PET and CT scans, along with a biopsy. The results from these tests ultimately delivered life-changing news.
“Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, ‘We wish we had better news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and it’s called B cell and it’s very aggressive,’” the veteran actor and comedian told People.
“I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming,” Coulier admitted. “This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey.”
After receiving his diagnosis, Coulier explained that he and his wife, Melissa Bring, along with some close friends in the medical field, quickly collaborated to confront the situation directly.
“We all kind of put our heads together and said, ‘Okay, where are we going?’ And they had a very specific plan for how they were going to treat this,” he recalled.
Coulier also remarked that a positive aspect of his diagnosis was the negative result of his bone marrow test. “At that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range. And so that was a great day.”
Following His Diagnosis, Dave Coulier is Staying Focused on the ‘Great Stuff’ in His Life… Like Being a Grandpa
Two weeks after his diagnosis, Coulier began chemotherapy immediately. He also shaved his head as a “preemptive strike.”
Coulier has finished the first of six chemotherapy treatments. He’s also doing his best to face each day with a positive attitude.
“I have my good days. I have my bad days,” he admits. “Some days are nauseous and dizzy. Then there’s other days where the steroids kick in, and I feel like I have a ton of energy. 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.”
This also involves getting ready for grandparenthood. Coulier’s son Luc, 33, and his wife Alex are expecting a baby boy, due in March. “I’ve got to teach him how to play hockey,” he insists. “There’s a lot to look forward to.”
Meanwhile, by sharing his journey, Coulier aims to inspire others to seek early testing.
“Take great care of yourself, because there’s a lot to live for,” Coulier urged.. “And if that means talking with your doctors or getting a mammogram or a breast exam or colonoscopy, it can really make a big change in your life.”