Larry I.’s Story

Site created on February 18, 2011

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated without taking many hours to contact you individually. Larry has had many health issues starting with Hepatitis C in 1987-1989. Followed by a balloon angioplasty on the main artery on the back of his heart in 1992. In 2001 he had prostate cancer surgery. 2006 brought open heart surgery 4 bypasses and an aortic valve replacement. He had successful back surgery a couple years before this to remove a metal fragment that was threatening to paralyze him. In April, 2010 he had an accident in the 18 wheeler when 3 semis plowed into the back of him on i-80 in Indiana , resulting in a mild frontal lobe injury that caused him to lose many memories. In late 2010 his prostate cancer returned and he had 38 radiation treatments and female hormone treatments. In 2012 he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis which caused a hospitalization to get the pain under control. 2014 was the year for pulmonary fibrosis to be discovered, caused by the RA, he is not a candidate for lung transplant. In February 2019 he was clear of any cancer but his left lung had a soft tissue mass which was not cancerous. In October 2019 during an ER admission for pain in his chest that would not go away it was discovered his cancer had returned. His pulmonologist ran a PSA test to see if his prostate area was producing cancer enzymes again, it should be 0-4, his was 444.6. The oncologist showed us his PET scan, all his bones in his body have cancer except his right arm and left leg. It is 4th stage prostate cancer. He is taking Xtandi every day Xgeva once a month, Lupron every 3 months and was on a bone strengthener all to try to contain the cancer. Between Christmas and New Year he was hospitalized with pancreatitis that was a side effect of the bone strengthener. Thank you all for your prayers, good thoughts and support during these difficult times. We are sure God has us in His hands and we are walking day by day, minute by minute.

Newest Update

January 4, 2021

Journal entry by Lynda Johnson —

 

Hello, After 35 years together, my husband, Larry Johnson, passed from this world at 12:27 am December 31, 2020.  He fought long and hard to stay here. His battle with prostate cancer was 19 years long. When lung cancer joined in there was not enough fight left in him to win this battle.  He trucked over the road to all 48 continental states for 52 years, over 5,000,000 miles.  Keep it between the lines up there!!

Stephanie Moreland, daughter in South FloridaHe was the best Papaw ever. He also taught Barbara more about cars and car repair than most men will ever know- the boys and tI brag about that all the time. We’ll enjoy trips to the beach with ice cream and foot-longs, coffee and late breakfast on the porch, and Sunday football...all while thinking of him. He is so loved and will be terribly missed by all who knew him.

Our daughter. Nikki Hadbavny, in Georgia

I woke up this morning (after a fitful nights sleep) to my 1st day on this earth without my dad. He passed away during the night last night. He had been sick so long that I expected that when he did pass that it would somehow be easier to know that he was no longer suffering. Maybe that ease will come to me tomorrow or maybe another day. Today I just feel lost, adrift. 
It’s strange the way the universe works sometimes and sometimes I just know that god is looking out for me. I lost my Sasha and although it may sound funny, I shared all my deepest heart breaks with that little dog. She came into my life when I needed her the most.  We had been looking for another baby without luck and the day before yesterday a lady reached out to Johnny.  The earliest we could pick up our new little guy up was this morning. The morning after losing dad. A puppy cannot replace a father so please don’t take it that way but this puppy has already had his first dose of my tears and with a lick, he snuggled down and fell fast asleep next me. In other words this little guy is extra special just like my Sasha.
On the way to pick up the puppy a beautiful hawk soared down right in front of my windshield and he flew across the hugely curved exit and landed on the sign and he watched us a we drove around . The symbolism for the hawk flying over you ... is freedom.... a spiritual messenger... the symbolism for the hawk landing and watching you is..... you will be protected. I love you dad and can hardly stand the thought of you not being just a phone call away but I do love the thought of you being free.  I hope you’re riding your Harley somewhere out there. I love you

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