Dave Coulier Describes Chemotherapy as ‘a Roller Coaster Ride’

In the latest episode of his podcast “Full House Rewind,” actor Dave Coulier, 65, shared his experiences with the challenging side effects of stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, a type of blood cancer.

“It’s been like a roller coaster ride with various effects,” Coulier explained. “Those who have been through it understand that the side effects have their own side effects. You end up taking medications to counteract those effects, creating a cycle.”

He described how the treatment keeps his body in constant “fight or flight mode.” Coulier continued, “You find yourself constantly adjusting—coping with steroids, the chemo cocktail, and the various reactions that come with it.”

Coulier called the experience an internal battle, saying, “My body is in a fight. It’s a tough, internal struggle.”

The American Cancer Society notes that non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for about 4% of all cancer cases in the U.S.

Coulier first revealed his diagnosis in November during an interview on the “Today” show, where he told co-anchor Hoda Kotb that he had been diagnosed five weeks earlier with aggressive B cell lymphoma.

He recalled how he first noticed symptoms: “The lymphoma in my groin area grew rapidly. I realized something was wrong when I felt a lump the size of a golf ball. After a biopsy, doctors confirmed it was B cell lymphoma and recommended starting chemotherapy immediately.”

Recently, in a conversation with his former “Fuller House” co-star Marla Sokoloff, Coulier emphasized the importance of sharing his journey, noting it has raised awareness about cancer detection and treatment.

“I’ve received so much support from people affected by cancer,” Coulier said. “Their words of encouragement mean a lot, and sharing my story makes the challenges worthwhile.”

He stressed the importance of early cancer screenings, saying, “Even if I feel off for a few months, it’s worth it if it encourages others to get colonoscopies, mammograms, or other screenings. Early detection can truly save lives.”