Full House star Dave Coulier, known for his goofy and eccentric character Joey Gladstone, has just now revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The comedian, 65, revealed in an interview with People magazine how in a minute, what was supposed to be a cold led to a life-altering diagnosis. “I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer,” he said. His symptoms began with an upper respiratory infection and swelling in his lymph nodes.
It came after a series of tests involving PET and CT scans, and a biopsy. “Three days later, my doctors called me back and said, ‘You have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and it’s very aggressive,'” Coulier explained.
Still, Coulier said he remains upbeat about the situation. Things started looking even better when his bone marrow test came back negative, drastically improving his chances of successful treatment. “At that point, my chances of a cure went from something low to 90 percent. That was a great day,” he said.
Currently undergoing chemotherapy, Coulier has already had three surgeries. He says his treatment will continue until February and hopes for a full remission by that time. “Fingers crossed,” he said.
Coulier also gave an important message to his followers. He stressed how early detection plays an utmost role in the fight against cancer. “If I can help someone get an early screening—whether it’s a breast exam, colonoscopy, or prostate exam—go do it. Early detection meant everything to me,” he implored.
Chemotherapy was responsible for Coulier’s minor hair loss. He shaved his head as a “preemptive strike.” Also he joked, “I kind of look like a little baby bird now.” He stays positive, and his strength comes from all the battles that members of his family have gone through because of cancer, mainly his late mother and sister, who both died of breast cancer.
Coulier also uses his voice to encourage investment in one’s health. “Take great care of yourself, because there’s a lot to live for,” he said. Fans are supporting him through this tough fight.
ANI
