Welcome to DJ's CaringBridge website. The Johnson family is using this site to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support, prayers, wishes, and words of hope and encouragement.
April 9, 2022 Update: Dennis made his way to the clearing at the end of the path peacefully on April 9, 2022 while sitting in his favorite blue chair in his South Minneapolis home, surrounded by his loving family, with wife of Lisa holding his hand.
DJ was a beloved husband, caring father, and a good friend to many. Dennis was a kind and courageous soul, with a humble heart that opened up to everyone. He will be sorely missed in our lives, but held forever in our hearts.
--- This site is being updated primarily by Dennis himself or Becca, Dennis and Lisa's youngest child. We will update you with a journal entry as we are able to. Becca is currently acting as the first point of contact to our wonderful network of friends and family per Dennis's request.
Dennis was diagnosed with non-small cell adenocarcinoma the week of March 14th, 2021. This late stage metastatic lung cancer manifested in both lungs and his lymph nodes, and likely 2 lesions found in his brain (the lesions are too deep to biopsy). All of the lesions were deemed inoperable. Lung cancer that has spread is difficult to treat. Radiation therapy was used to shrink the lesions in his brain, and immunotherapy and chemotherapy were used to help control the cancer. The goal of treatment was to improve his quality of life and extend his life, which it did for a time. Unfortunately, these treatments are very tough on the body. Dennis was admitted to the hospital February 3rd, 2022. His condition deteriorated rapidly. After many consults, tests, medications, and scans, but no "saving grace" procedure for treatment, Dennis was transferred to the oncology/compassionate care floor the evening of February 7th, 2022.
DJ is currently on home hospice. The emphasis has moved on from treatment to feeling better, focusing on Dennis living as fully and comfortably as possible. There will be no more infusions or chemotherapy treatments.
**Please limit texts to DJ** Send questions to Becca instead! DJ's resting A LOT, so please don't call him as that may interrupt a nap. He will initiate texting. He also has limited talking ability, and it is reserved for conversations with his wife and children. He reads all of the comments here on Caring Bridge. Cards mailed to him are also welcomed!
**You can send Lisa texts!!** Lisa is usually unavailable to talk on the phone as she is directly involved in Dennis's care 24/7. She is very busy coordinating Dennis's care, consulting with doctors, and spending time with her husband. She will reach out as she is able, but please limit texts/calls to her as well.
Dennis and Lisa have cultivated an amazing network of people over their lives, and we are truly blessed to be surrounded by such concerned, supportive friends and family. However, Dennis and Lisa will contact you when they are ready and able, and we will let you know if/when we need help. My parents are spending every precious moment together at this time. You can direct your calls/texts and questions to me, Becca Johnson, via my cell phone or through this website. I work full time and am helping my parents in other aspects, so please be patient if it takes me a moment to respond to you. I promise I will get back to you! :)
We appreciate your love and support for this wonderful man. Thank you everyone!
As a courtesy to the church hosting DJ's memorial service and those who will be attending, the Johnson family requests that anyone not vaccinated for COVID-19 please participate via Zoom and refrain from coming to the in-person service. This request extends to those who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days, or those directly caring for someone who has tested positive within the past 10 days.
Many of the memorial service attendees may be elderly, immunocompromised, have underlaying conditions that put them at higher risk, or are directly supporting those at higher risk. The memorial service includes singing, and masks are not required- This is why we are asking for those who are not vaccinated and those who have had exposure to COVID-19, regardless of current symptoms or lack thereof, to refrain from coming to the in-person gathering.
The health and safety of friends, family, and neighbors is a priority- Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
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