‘Full House’ star reveals stage 3 cancer diagnosis

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Dave Coulier has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Full House star, known for playing Uncle Joey, opened up about his “roller coaster” health battle on Wednesday, Nov. 13, of Today show. “(I) felt like I got punched in the gut because it never happens to you. You always hear about it happening to someone else,” he said of his diagnosis.

The first symptom he experienced was a lump in his groin. The 65-year-old comedian said he was “on pins and needles for a few days” while he waited to hear if the disease had spread to other parts of his body. However, he was told that the cancer had not gone past his lymphatic system.

“I’m okay with whatever the news (is) going to be, no matter how devastating… I’ve had an incredible life. I’ve had the most amazing people in my life. It’s been an extraordinary journey and I’m okay if this is the end of the journey,” he recalled telling wife Melissa Coulier, to whom he has been married since July 2014, as he waited to hear whether the cancer had spread.

He has since begun chemotherapy treatment, which he described as “intense” and admitted it “scared the living daylights out” of him. The Fuller House alum will undergo six rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks and expects treatment to be completed in February 2025.

“There (are) days when I feel incredible. Then there are other days where … I just want to lay down and let this be what it is,” Coulier said of the treatment process. While the diagnosis may sound scary, Coulier assured fans that the recovery rate is promising.

Videos from his Today look was quickly shared to Coulier’s social media accounts — including a cut to him receiving a hug from his longtime friend, and Today’s road anchor, Al Roker.

In one of the videos, the 90s star explains why he wanted to share his diagnosis. “If I can help someone watching today get an early screening, a breast exam, a colonoscopy, a prostate exam, then do it — because to me, early detection meant everything,” he said.

Today anchor Hoda Kotb praised his “beautiful attitude,” and Coulier shared some of the things that helped him get through his “journey.” He said: “Keep laughing your way through life, it’s important and keep your friends and family close.”