Dave Coulier Revealed Cancer Diagnosis to Full House Cast in Group Text: 'Didn't Want Them to Hear It from Someone Else' (Exclusive)

Dave Coulier has his back Full house family amid his cancer diagnosis.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 65-year-old actor reveals that he first learned he had stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in October when an upper respiratory infection caused his lymph nodes to swell.

After he went for additional tests, the results gave him shocking news that changed his life in the meantime.

“I went from, having a bit of a cold to having cancer, and it was pretty devastating,” he says. “It’s been this really fast roller coaster ride.”

While Coulier had the support of his wife Melissa Bring and son Luca through his cancer journey, he also relied on his own Full house costars.

Dave Coulier Reveals He Has Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: ‘I’ll Be Strong Through This’ (Exclusive)

Coulier tells PEOPLE that he first broke the news to his castmates in a group message, which included John Stamos, Candace Cameron Bure, Andrea Barber, Jodie Sweetin, Lori Loughlin, Scott Weinger and show creator Jeff Franklin.

“I didn’t want them to hear it from someone else, so I sent a text,” he says, noting that everyone’s response “was immediate.” . Just tell me the time and I know you’re in good hands with Mel, but what can we do?’ The love we have for each other is really overwhelming. We’ve been there for each other for so many years and that’s pretty remarkable.”

Full House cast with Bob Saget.

Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage

The past few years have been very emotional for the cast, especially following the death of series patriarch Bob Saget in January 2022, though Coulier notes that those difficult times have made them appreciate the time they spend together even more.

“I think we don’t just value our lives together, we value our lives,” he says. “We appreciate the good times and positive moments we shared. And I think it transfers to other people, and it’s only positive. There aren’t many negative things when I’m with that group of people. It’s really just laughter and positivity, and we really appreciate what we have in our lives and the people around us.”

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He adds that Stamos (61) visits him in the middle of chemotherapy. “I can’t wait for him to visit me, on November 15, I’m going for chemotherapy. On November 16, John will be here,” he says, adding that Stamos is leaving the itinerary to visit Coulier.

“He says, ‘If you just want to sleep, I’ll just sit next to you or if you want to listen to music or just talk, whatever.’ And I just say, ‘Wow. It’s like a brother. That’s a real brother.’”

John Stamos and Dave Coulier.

Kelly Lee Barrett/Getty

Coulier goes on to talk about his diagnosis Full House Rewind podcast, which he says has been a kind of “video comfort food” as he watches his beloved show all the way through for the first time.

“I never watched Full house,” he admits, adding that watching each episode gave him a new appreciation for the series. “I understand that. I understand. I understand why kids loved it so much, why families loved it so much, and why it became so intergenerational. There are really wonderful elements for children and families.”

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Full house.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

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Along with all the key lessons in the show, one thing he took away from the show is the importance of treating people with “love and respect” and always giving your best.

“I didn’t understand it as much when we were actually doing the series because it was so intense to shoot 192 episodes, but now I get it,” he adds. “Actually, I can be much more objective, considering that the son is going through family moments, going through raising a child. Everything just makes sense to me. Now I’m like, ‘Oh, now I see what was in the Kool-Aid. I understand.”

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Source: HIS Education