90s TV icon reveals aggressive cancer diagnosis is a ‘gut punch’-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Dave Coulier has revealed his cancer diagnosis (Picture: FilmMagic)

Dave Coulier has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, after noticing a golf ball-sized swelling in his groin.

The 65-year-old, most known for his role in Full House, shared the news earlier today, during an appearance on the Today Show.

Speaking to presenter Hoda Kotb, he explained that he initially came down with a cold a few weeks ago, when he realized the swelling and went to get himself checked out.

‘Five weeks ago, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma,’ he said of the ‘gut punch’ news. ‘In that time, I’ve had three surgeries, I’ve had chemo, I’ve lost a little bit of hair. I look like a little baby bird now.

‘It has been a rollercoaster ride, for sure.

‘I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming,’ he continued. ‘This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey.

‘It’s a very aggressive type of lymphoma. It happened very quickly, the onset of this growing lymphoma in my groin area was very quick.

‘I said, “Something is not right, I have a golf ball down here.” We biopsied it, we took it out, and they said, “We wish we had better news for you but you have B-Cell lymphoma. We need to get you into chemotherapy right away.”’

Dave has undergone the first of six chemotherapy treatments so far, with his second session beginning later this week.

He insisted that his condition is ‘very treatable’ with a ‘90% curability’, and that his treatment should be complete by February, adding that he hopes to be in ‘total remission by that time’.

Dave shared his diagnosis on the Today Show this morning (Picture: NBC)

According to the Mayo Clinic, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma occur when white blood cells grow abnormally and can form growths throughout the body.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a common subtype, with symptoms including swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, chest pain and night sweats.

Dave began his career in comedy when he was a teenager, before going on to front sketch show Out of Control in the early 80s.

The actor is most known for his stint in Full House (Picture: Rex)

In 1987, he shot to fame as Joey Gladstone in beloved sitcom Full House, beside Bob Saget, John Stamos, Candace Cameron and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

He went on to reprise his role in revival show Fuller House, in 2016 – while also landing parts in the Surreal Life, the Even Stevens Movie, Robot Chicken and Dexter’s Laboratory.

Despite his health issues, the actor is vowing to remain positive, and stay strong for his loved ones, including wife Melissa Bring.

‘My joke is that in four short weeks I’ve gone from a Virgo to a Cancer,’ he told People Magazine, reflecting on the ‘inner calm’ he felt. ‘I’ve tried to retain a sense of reality but also a sense of humor about it.

He shared that he was ‘stunned’ by the diagnosis (Picture: Rex)

‘When I first got the news, I was stunned, of course, because I didn’t expect it, and then reality settled in, and I found myself remarkably calm with whatever the outcome was going to be.

‘I’ve had an incredible life on a journey with incredible people around me and I’m okay. It does change perspective for sure.’

‘I have my good days. I have my bad days,’ he added of his symptoms. ‘Some days are nauseous and dizzy, and 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.’

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