LAS VEGAS, NV – Tanya Angus was a perfectly healthy 20 year old woman, when she noticed that her clothes were beginning to not fit.
At the time she was 5′ 11″ and 115 pounds. But ten years later, she now stands at 6′ 6″ and 480 pounds, and continues to grow. After multiple misdiagnoses, Angus was finally told she is suffering from acromegaly, often associated with gigantism.
Acromegaly is a syndrome in which the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of human growth hormone. There are a number of causes that can create this problem, but unfortunately for Angus, she has the most common and most difficult to treat.
A brain tumor has wrapped itself around her pituitary gland, causing the overproduction of hormone. Doctors have performed multiple surgeries to remove the tumor but it repeatedly grows back.
In 1999, when Angus began growing out of her shoes and suffering from headaches, she went to a few local doctors to get checked out. Unfortunately, they all dismissed her complaints as minor issues. It was not until Angus moved back to Las Vegas that her sister immediately recognized something was wrong and got her properly diagnosed.
Now, Angus may suffer permanently due to how long she was afflicted before being treated. Doctors have yet to find a treatment that can help her. She decided to come forward and speak to the media so that others may learn from her predicament and get treated early.
Acromegaly affects 2 out of 1,000,000 per year. Some other well known acromegaly sufferers include actor Paul Benedict and self-help expert Tony Robbins.
The most recognizable victim may be pro-wrestler Andre the Giant. One of the WWF’s most famous wrestlers, Andre was billed anywhere from 6′ 10″ to 7′ 4″ tall and 500-565 pounds. He went on to famously play a gentle giant in the film The Princess Bride After refusing to be treated for his condition, he died at the early age of 46 due to cardiac complications.
Tanya, I believe that God still heals today in our time, I also believe that if in your heart you believe this also you will be healed of this disease.
I ran across your story on a currant afair and have not been able to get you out of my thoughts i believe that if you know Jesus Christ died for you and he bore all your infirmaties, then you will be healed just believe, I do and it only take two. I have already asked and I will stand on it until you are healed. Isaiah 58: 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear. Love you Be Blessed!
Tanya, I believe that God still heals today in our time, I also believe that if in your heart you believe this also you will be healed of this disease. __I ran across your story on a currant afair and have not been able to get you out of my thoughts i believe that if you know Jesus Christ died for you and he bore all your infirmaties, then you will be healed just believe, I do and it only take two. I have already asked and I will stand on it until you are healed. Isaiah 58: 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear. Love you Be Blessed!
I just watched your story on tv and was so pleased for you when you went to the doctor and your results were great. You are very strong and determined and with that attitude you have a great chance to make things better. Your family seems very supportive and you have a great relationship with your mom, she is an amazing support. We all have things in life that we have to go through, maybe not as difficult as some of your struggles but keep knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and with faith in God, things will get better. Good luck in the future and you are an amazing person…….
Hey Tanya if you would like an email buddy I would love to correspond with you….
I freelance at anything I can get my hands on and work with high school kids teaching them how to use computers and do graphics, printing, web design, and animation……email me at vibot@sbcglobal.net
Vicki
Dear Tanya….just watched your story on "Help…Giant,,,whatever." I live in Vegas and work in Henderson. I felt so drawn to you and your family…..your mom is an absolute gem. But you are the most inspiring person to come along in some time. I couldn't take my eyes off the television screen because the person I was watching and listening to was charming, intelligent, witty and more attractive than well over half the people I've ever encountered anywhere on this earth. Keep your great spirit….you are the equivalent to an angel and I feel humbled to even know who you are. Hugs! Julie
Tanya,
I am not sure if you read these, but I just wanted to tell you that after reading this and watching your story on TLC, my heart goes out to you. You are such a brave person for talking about your condition. May the Lord give you strength, health, and life. God bless you!
God be with you always. One day everything will make sense for all of us.
Love Always.
God Bless You Tanya!! You are a beautiful person inside and out.
Tanya
Hi you may not remeber me but I met you about 12 years ago, When I lived in Vegas. I worked EMS with your Mother. I hope you get copies of these posts. I really would like to keep up on your condition. My heart goes out to you and will be Praying for you.
Randy
Dear Tanya,
I can only tell you that I was truly inspired by your story. You have a beautiful spirit that is undeniable. I can tell that you want to embrace your feminine side and be appreciated for the girl inside of you. We all feel that way, just so you know. I do not have acromegaly, but I too feel that I look tom-boyish on the average day, when I am not done up. It seems like it is a huge effort to appear girly, which incidentally I love the girl in me! So, know that you are not alone. I pray that a special gentleman will see the beautiful woman that you are, inside and out. You have a gentle, humble look about you that allows the girl to shine through….so keep shining. Bless you know and always. Stephanie
Tanya,I was recovering in the hospital when I saw your story on the hospital tv.I was told not to worry all we have to do is remove tumor and then the doctor would put me on 3 different meds and I WOULD BE FINE ,BOY HAS THE STORY CHANGED .The surgent didnt get all the tumor they want to give me radiation.IVE BEEN TOLD TO GET A SECOND Apinion,thats what im tring to do now.Thanks for all the imformation .Im 45 Ive been told I also have had acromaegaly for about 10 years.When I talk to people they have no Idea what Im going through,I try to be strong sometimes I wish I could call someone thats going through the same thing is there a live support group in Las Vegas?Thank you Lori
A lot of morons here talking about god and Jesus healing people. Sorry, god and Jesus haven't ever healed anyone EVER!
Tanya, you are beautifull. God made you this way, dont try to be any different. You are blessed, remember that! I encourage you to learn more about what God did for you so that when you die, if you exepted him as your savior and belived it in your heart, you could live an eternity in heaven with no pain. He loves you, I hope to see you in heaven some day. Allwase remember that you are beautifull
Tanya,
I just saw your story on TLC. I am moved to tears at your struggle, pain & survival. I do not know why one person has to carry so much pain and I do not have any answers. Just know that you are prayed for and hopefully that offers a little bit of comfort from a stranger.
Blessings,
Shauna
Hi Tanya,
I've seen you in a documentary here in the UK last night , just want to say your a beautiful girl both inside and out and that I will say a prayer for you
Dear Tanya,
I don't know even know whether you are reading these comments, but I still feel obligated to enclose my observation after watching a documentary about your life effected by a disease. I just want to express that it made me reflect upon my own silly at times behavior regarding my appearance. People ought to focus on and appreciate much more important values in life, such as love of other people, beautiful animals and world. I wish you will get this condition under control and carry on with your life as you want to. All the best and please never give up!
Yours, Caroline
I think this lady is amazing, seriously..she puts up with so much crap and then people come on here and say bad things i tell you id rather spend my life with her as a friend because she has a heart of gold. ad these people insulting i feel sorry for you.
HI TANYA,,,I AM WATCHING THE DHTV SHOW ABOUT YOU AS I AM WRITING. I AM SO MOVED BY YOUR STORY AND TO SEE HOW YOU MUST SUFFER, IT BREAKS MY HEART…THE INJECTIONS YOU MUST HAVE , I KNOW CAN BE SO PAINFUL,BUT YOU "GO WITH THEM GOOD" I TOO, SUFFER MUCH PAIN EVERYDAY WITH DIFFERENT DISEASES, I KEEP PUTTING ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER EACH DAY AND THAK GOD I AM ABLE TO WALK, TALK, EAT, AND ENJOY LIFE, AS MANY PEOPLE CAN'T…GOD IS GOOD..I WOULD LOVE TO CONTACT YOU AND SHARE SOME STORIES AND LAUGHS..IF YOY WOULD LIKE TO E-MAIL ME PLEASE DO..I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE MOVED BY ANY ONE PERSON IN MY LIFE,,,BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,,,GINI,,AT CCOTTAGE@MYCLEARWAVE.NET
Hi Tanya, If you ever want to talk to someone else who has Acromegaly write back to me, I understand because I to have it. Seattle, Wa – Nancy
"Just hold on…" to what that might be? Your gonna die a slow/ painful death. You deserve it.
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