Tina for Tanya (Angus)

Most recent video segment on Tanya, from local News13 KTNV

2011-12-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Final MRI to determine fate of local woman with gigantism

Status Update...

2011-12-23T10:24:00.002-07:00

Tanya's levels are creeping back up and are currently 440.

A word from Karen (Tanya's Mom)

2011-11-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

"We want to thank every one who has taken the time to write to us. I read the Emails, Guestbook messages, Blog comments and candle wishes to Tanya and they make her smile! It really puts joy in her heart. Thank You, All!"

IT'S TANYA'S BIRTHDAY

2011-11-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Tanya!!!

11-27-2011

Growth Hormone Update...

2011-10-13T17:48:00.003-06:00

HTML clipboard

October 13, 2011

Tanya's GH level is at 387! The highest end of normal is 330. We're elated.

UPDATE Rachael Ray Show

2011-07-27T15:21:00.001-06:00

Part I CLICK ON THIS LINK (Tanya): http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/all-new-my-body-wont-stop-growing-tanyas-story/

Part II CLICK ON THIS LINK (Tanya speaking with Rachael): http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/all-new-tanya-her-mom-and-dealing-acromegaly/

UPDATE for ABC NEWS May 24, 2011

2011-07-27T10:20:00.000-06:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/tanya-angus-takes-giant-step-treatment-acromegaly/story?id=13674197

This follow up article contains interview and information about Acromegaly Community and it's Founder, Wayne Brown.

News 13 UPDATE / JULY 1, 2011

2011-07-26T22:28:00.000-06:00

Click Here >>> "You Ask, We Investigate"

UPDATES...

2011-06-29T08:55:00.002-06:00

Very sadly for us remaining, my Mother (Tina's Mother) went home to be with our Lord on June 13, 2011. Although are devastated, we thank you all for your prayers.

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Tanya has come home from her 23 day hospital stay! Your Prayers are always greatly appreciated.

Distress on All Fronts...

2011-06-11T19:19:00.000-06:00

FROM TINA:
Dear Friends...

Some of you know that one month ago I came to Las Vegas to attend the Acromegaly Convention as well as accompany my Mom to a simple follow-up Cardiologist appointment. My Father and I took Mom to the ER a day before her appointment. Very long story short...My loving mother is currently in a Hospice for Stage 4 Lung Cancer spread to her bones. This has been a most horrid and painful month for us all. Thank you for your prayers.

Love...Tina

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From Karen Strutynski To Me:

"Tanya at approximately 8:15 PM received a call from the girls house that Tanya was having a problem. I ran over to check her out and I found that her breathing was labored she was not understanding while she just said that she does not feel well and she thought she was going to die. While waiting for the fire department an ambulance to arrive I started doing some basic neurological check her speech was slurred and then she wasn't making any sense and then within a few minutes after the fire department arriving the fire Capt. who has run on her a few times notice that this was definitely different than in the past I advised him that at one point she had a blank stare and I thought she was having a mini stroke or what we call a TIA transient ischemic attack, or maybe it was a seizure so AMR arrived and we transported her to the hospital that the clots were going through her brain which was what is causing this TIA or mini stroke.

About four in the morning the emergency room doctor devised that can it was dehydrated had some sort of infection and did have several clots in both legs so they admitted her to ICU she is still in the hospital but she is no longer in ICU and will stay there till it least Monday to we get an updated MRI and EEG of the brain."

Thank You For Your Prayers.

NEWS13 (KTNV) Acromegaly Follow-Up Video

2011-05-23T08:04:00.003-06:00

FULL PRINT HERE

ACROMEGALY COMMUNITY EVENT MAY 6-8 2011

2011-05-09T15:40:00.003-06:00

Tanya, Karen and I were all able to attend the event on Sunday, May 8th...Mother's Day.

I can not explain how honored we feel to be a part of the Acromegaly Community Family. We were thrilled to meet those in attendance and we truly hope that come 2012, we'll meet many more wonderful people.

It's good to be with those that 'understand'.

UPDATE: FOLLOW-UP VIDEO/REPORT FROM NEWS13 (KTNV)
http://www.ktnv.com/story/14694661/woman-with-gigantism-now-works-to-help-others-with-horrible-disease

2011-05-03T16:42:00.002-06:00

MAY 6-8 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

an Acromegaly Event, by Wayne Brown. Click on text below for more...

JUST A REMINDER, FROM P.N.A.

2011-01-18T12:34:00.004-07:00

Save the Date:
Tanya Angus to appear on Mystery Diagnosis on January 19th.

The PNA has been closely following the progress of acromegalic Tanya Angus. In fact. PNA CEO Robert Knutzen and his wife Rosemary recently visited with Tanya and her mother Karen Strutynski in Las Vegas. One of the things they discussed is Tanya’s upcoming appearance in an episode of the TV show “Mystery Diagnosis”. The episode features Tanya Angus and Kody Burns – and is scheduled to air January 19th, 8 P.M. EST on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Please check your local listings for the Oprah Winfrey Network station number, as well as the time if you are not in the Eastern time zone.

Thank you!
The Pituitary Network Association
http://www.oprah.com/own/tv-schedule/index.html?date=2011-01-19

ABC News Video on Tanya & Dr. Blevins in San Francisco

2011-01-12T10:41:00.003-07:00

If you can't see the video here, please click on the VIDEOS tab and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Original Story HERE

Tanya has been released from the Hospital

2011-01-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

Tanya was released from the hospital January 10, 2011 for an intestinal blockage and a 16mm kidney stone. A biopsy was taken of a Polyp found in her colon. She'll be having surgery to remove her gall bladder and that 16mm kidney stone as soon as her strength gets better. Your good thoughts and prayers are appreciated!

Tanya is in the Hospital

2011-01-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tanya was admitted to the hospital on Friday, January 7, 2011 for an intestinal blockage and a 16mm kidney stone. Your good thoughts and prayers are appreciated!

Tanya Will Be On OWN in January 2011

2011-01-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) plans to air Tanya's "Mystery Diagnosis" episode on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 8PM EST. Please check your local listings if you are not in the Eastern time zone and also to find out what channel the Oprah Winfrey Network will be available on.

News13 in Las Vegas ROCKED This Story!

2010-12-29T09:28:00.004-07:00

Link to News13 and the written report

If you can't see the video click here

2010-12-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

A brilliant new video from Pituitary Network Association, which we hope you enjoy. Help spread the word by sharing this video with your family and friends!

Tanya has been released from the Hospital

2010-12-26T07:46:00.001-07:00

Tanya was released from the Hospital from Renal Failure and Pneumonia on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Tanya is in the Hospital

2010-12-15T20:27:00.002-07:00

12-15-2010 8:20PM A special call out for Your good Thoughts and Prayers:
Tanya has just been admitted to the E.R. with Pneumonia

HEADLINE NEWS!!!

2010-12-12T20:39:00.001-07:00

December 12, 2010

For the first time in eight (8) years, Tanya's Growth Hormone level is 214, which is in the NORMAL range of 64-334!

Tanya's Birthday is Tomorrow!

2010-11-26T06:56:00.003-07:00

HEAD'S UP~

Tanya's Birthday is November 27

She'll be 32 years young!

News13 Rocks It With Another Superb Video!!!

2010-11-16T08:20:00.001-07:00

Read the full story HERE

Mystery Passenger and AMR ROCK!

2010-11-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

Mystery Passenger and AMR to the rescue!!!

Tanya and Karen flew to New York 11-10-2010 to be on a TV show, once again speaking up about Acromegaly. A female passenger (known only by the name "Lauren") gave up her first class seating on A.A. flight 1432 from Dallas to Newark, so that Karen could sit with Tanya (Karen was booked by the production company to sit in coach while Tanya was booked to sit in the roomier first class). Thank You LAUREN!

AMR to the rescue...Again!

This time AMR pulled through in New York by sending Shane, Tony and Chris to transport Tanya and Karen. More to come soon! Thank You AMR...You ROCK!!!

A Wonderful, 'Feel-Good' Update

2010-10-18T14:10:00.000-06:00

Here's the NEWS13 Story Link

Status Update...

2010-10-15T15:41:00.002-06:00

10-15-2010: Tanya and Karen are home from their San Francisco journey to see the new Endocrinologist. Good things happened during that trip (Tanya got to meet up with "Ellen" and "Jenny" who are both Acromegalics, as well as dip her feet in buckets of Pacific Ocean water brought to her my the AWESOME driving crew from AMR)!!! Photos will be posted as soon as they're received.

On another note, Tanya's sister Susie (who suffers greatly from Tarlov Cysts and has had 3 back surgeries herself) is in the hospital with Bacterial Spinal Meningitis. Susie is in Critical condition...please light a candle for her.

News 13: AMR Takes Tanya to San Francisco

2010-10-14T13:58:00.001-06:00

Las Vegas woman suffering from Gigantism gets free ride to California for possible cure

Read the full story here...

TLC is Currently Airing...

2010-10-14T09:49:00.000-06:00

Check for future air dates through this TLC logo

"Help! I'm Turning Into A Giant" on TLC: 10-13 through 10-28

GMA

2010-10-13T07:11:00.000-06:00

Tanya's segment for this morning on ABC’s Good Morning America was canceled...but for good reason! 7 am Wednesday 10-13-10

ABC canceled this morning's segment with Tanya due to the continuing Chilean Miners Rescue.

UPCOMING IN OCTOBER...

2010-09-28T07:59:00.003-06:00

MID-OCTOBER: Tanya will be traveling to San Francisco, CA. to meet up with her new Endocrinologist. The AWESOME folks at AMR/MEDICWEST will be transporting Tanya and Mom Karen...we can't express how deep our gratitude goes.

September News Updates

2010-09-09T14:18:00.000-06:00

CURRENTLY...
Although surgery is still not an option for Tanya, she's moving forward in sharing her story with the World in the hopes of making people aware of Acromegaly, so that they won't become a victim like herself...and so many others!

Thursday September 9th-11, 2010:
A major film crew is working with the family and Tanya's original diagnosing physician (Dr. Eleanor Cajita), to produce a television program about Acromegaly.

Sunday September 12, 2010:
A major film production company from Japan (with exclusive Japanese rights) will be coming to begin a shooting long term (ongoing) film documentary about Tanya's Acromegaly.

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Tanya's Website Has A New Homepage Section (all proceeds go to help Tanya):
~ Smart Health ~

Immune Function:
The Human body's immune system is constantly under attack and suffers greatly when enduring the treatment of antibiotics and prescription drugs. Learn how to improve and strengthen your immune system without drugs here.

Healing With Water?:
The Human Body Is At Least 70% Water. Enhance Your Health and Increase It's Power of Prevention with water >>> See how here (click on the 'Your Water' tab in the new window)

A Major Set-Back

2010-08-04T06:58:00.003-06:00

If you don't see the video (due to a Blogger Technical Difficulty), please click here or open this link: http://tanyaangus.blogspot.com/2010/08/great-set-back.html

REGARDING TANYA’S BRAIN SURGERY:

2010-07-30T11:52:00.000-06:00

July 30, 2010 After looking at numerous MRI's and weighing the potential good or bad outcomes, Tanya’s Surgeon (Dr. Daniel Kelly) and colleagues agreed that surgery is simply too risky. Therefore, there will be no surgery. Tanya has been referred to an Endocrinologist in San Francisco and will be going to meet up with him very soon. The family is of course disheartened by this news, but hope lies in the fact that perhaps further treatments (radiation for example) will make enough of a difference for surgery to take place sometime in the future. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Acromegaly Hub Page

2010-07-26T11:45:00.000-06:00

You can also help us to spread the word about Acromegaly and other pituitary diseases by "voting up" our HubPage article

More Good News!

2010-07-20T09:18:00.002-06:00

I spoke with Tanya's Mom (Karen) last night and although Tanya's IGF-1 levels are ever in fluctuation, her current numbers are 754 (a reference rate is 64-344). Even though it's a roller-coaster ride with Tanya's levels, Karen believes that the Somatuline Depot is playing a strong role in lowering Tanya's IGF-1.

News13 and AMR Video

2010-07-17T13:26:00.007-06:00

Click on the headline of this post if you don't see the video, as it appears there's a "Blogger" technical difficulty.

American Medical Response/Medic West to the Rescue!

2010-07-15T18:02:00.008-06:00

We're so thrilled that we heard from Michael Gorman (on behalf of his wonderful employees!) the General Manager of American Medical Response, in our request for transporting Tanya both safely and comfortably to and from her upcoming brain surgery!

Here's what Michael had to say:

"Hello Tanya! I hope this email finds you well. I am the general manager for American Medical Response and Medic West Ambulance here in Southern Nevada. We are the men and women who respond to the nearly six hundred 911 calls per day in Clark County (including Las Vegas and North Las Vegas). My employees saw your story today on Channel 13 news and the calls came pouring into my office asking if there was a way for us to lend our assistance to you. I am happy to say that I back their sentiment 100% and would like to know if we can set up a time to talk about the resources we have that can get you to your doctor’s appointment in California. You will see my cell phone listed below – that is the fastest and most direct way to get a hold of me (or email). I look forward to speaking with you soon! My Best, Michael J Gorman"

"We at AMR and MedicWest were moved when we learned about Tanya’s story. We immediately decided that we could provide Tanya with ambulance transportation to California where she will receive the medical care she needs. We are honored to help her with this step during such a difficult journey, and wish her and her family our best.”
~Tony Greenway, EMT-P and Manager of Medic West Admin

Michael, Tony and all the fine men and women at American Medical Response and Medic West...WE THANK YOU!

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Additional thanks of appreciation go out to all the wonderful emails we got with offers of help, both transportation-wise and monetary!!!
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In addition, News13 in Las Vegas is coming over to the house tonight to do a follow-up story on this entire wonderful chapter of the journey. CLICK HERE to see the video

Getting Tanya To Her Sugery...The Word Spreads!

2010-07-14T10:57:00.000-06:00

ABCNEWS/Health

Woman With Gigantism Too Big To Get to Hospital for Surgery

At 6-feet 11-inches and 372 Pounds, Tanya Angus Can't Fit in Car or Van Anymore

By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES

July 14, 2010 --
Tanya Angus, a beautiful 21-year-old who rode horses, danced and had a boyfriend, one day noticed changes in her 5-foot-8-inch frame: Her shoes didn't quite fit, her jeans were too tight and her hands got bigger.
"She was perfectly normal, but by age 22 she had grown three inches," said her mother, Karen Strutynski of Las Vegas, Nevada. "Nobody knew what was going on."
Angus, who lived in Michigan and was a supervisor at a Walmart, began to worry when even her face and head got larger. Her bosses also noticed -- and fired her. And her boyfriend left when his parents began to ask, "Is she a man?'"
Tanya decided to return home in 2002. When her sister picked her up at the airport, she "freaked out," because she didn't recognize Tanya.
The doctor took one look and diagnosed acromegaly, also known as gigantism, caused by a tumor in her brain that is pushing on her pituitary gland, causing it to produce an excess of growth hormone.
Today, at 31, Angus is 6-feet 11-inches tall and has ballooned from 135 to 372 pounds.
"I don't know how to explain how it is, being a giant," Tanya told ABC's affiliate KTNV. "I put my shoes on in the morning, I'm like, 'Ugh, gosh they're growing again. I'm growing again.'"
According to her family, Tanya is the only known documented case in the world in which surgery and medications cannot control her growth.
She has had three surgeries: one 13-hour operation nearly killed her, and another caused a stroke that took away most of her hearing.
Nearly crushed by her weight, Tanya is scheduled to go to undergo surgery at Saint John's Health Center at John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, Calif., sometime this month.
But she is so big that her loved ones have no idea how they will get her there.
"She's outgrown three vehicles already," said Strutynski, 54, a medic who works three part-time jobs.
"If I could stick her on a regular airplane it would be no problem, a couple hundred dollars and she goes, but she doesn't fit," she said.
Sometimes Tanya can squeeze in to the passenger seat of their minivan, but since she has the legs of a seven-foot-tall person, it's too painful to make the five-hour trip to California.
"The alternative is for her to lay in the floor of the mini-van almost the entire way," said her mother. "That's something she's dreading almost as much as the surgery. "
"That scares me more than anything," Tanya said. "It's hard enough to think about what you're going to go through and then think about how much pain you're going to be in even getting there."
Strutynski is hoping someone will donate a modified vehicle or find a way to get Tanya to California on board a private plane.

Acromegaly Affects Organs, Too

"The tumor has been growing from the time Tanya hit puberty," said Karen Strutynski. "Her back is collapsing due to the overgrowth. As she grows her bones weaken and they break down. She is so big, her spine looks like a boomerang."
"When she grows, everything in her body grows -- her lungs, kidneys, bladder," she said. "Her body is literally having a hard time and she is so uncomfortable."
In more than 98 percent of the cases, acromegaly is caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that secretes excessive growth hormone, according to the Pituitary Network Association.
Acromegaly is not that rare, and most tumors are undiscovered and under-treated because doctors are not educated in either diagnosis or treatment, according to the PNA.
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports six cases in every 100,000, but many cases go undiagnosed or under-treated because doctors are not educated enough about the disease.
Two celebrities with the syndrome are Andre the Giant, the French wrestler who died in 1993, and Richard Kiel, who starred in several James Bond films in the 1970s as "Jaws."
If acromegaly is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to serious damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland, spleen, pancreas, and parathyroid glands.
Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. Left untreated, it results in altered facial appearance and enlargement of the hands and feet.
In Tanya's case, the medications and prior surgeries have failed to stop the growth.
Her shoes -- 15-1/2 at the moment -- have to be custom-fit and her ring size has jumped from 6-1/2 to 20. Like others with same condition, she has headaches, tiredness and sleep apnea. She wears an oxygen mask at night.
The tumor has also caused arthritis and diabetes insipidus, which makes it hard for her body to maintain hydration.
Though she was once able to walk, her knees can no longer hold her weight, so she is mostly confined to a reclining wheelchair. Lying flat on her back is not only painful, but dangerous because it puts too much pressure on her fragile organs.

Tanya Angus Has High Spirits, Despite Pain

Tanya is on multiple drugs, including a thick-Vaseline like medicine that her mother injects monthly. Much of the medication is for her excruciating pain.
The family has health insurance, but they have already spent $200,000 of their own money on her care. The medicines alone cost $45,000 a month.
"My husband is running out of CDs," said Strutynski. "We bought a 22-foot motor home to travel east, and bought it on a loan and there wasn't enough for a downpayment, so he traded in his Corvette."
Everything in her home is custom made, from her reclining wheelchair to the enormous bed with a specially-padded mattress.
As a former horseback rider and swimmer, Tanya finds being weightless in the backyard pool therapeutic, although it takes two people to get her in the water.
But her spirits are extraordinary, according to her soon-to-be-godmother Tina Valle, who rented an apartment to Tanya and her sister and now runs Tanya's website.
"Karen and Allen [Strutynski] came and wanted a lease for their daughter and told me she had gigantism," said Valle, 53, who lives in New Mexico.
"I thought OK, I have seen that in books, but when I saw Tanya came in ? wow ? she is big, she is really big," she said. "And she weighed a lot more at the time. But her personality came through so fast and her size dissipated and I fell in love with her right away."
"She is the kindest, sweetest, most loving girl," said Valle. "When people meet her they want to give her everything and want to do anything for her."
Already, several people have responded to Tanya's plea for help, offering ideas and donations to get her to California for surgery.
"We're thinking, if only we could get a private jet that would be perfect," said Valle. "Whatever comes our way, we are open to it."
Tanya's tumor is tangled around her carotid artery, which makes surgery complicated. But if she makes it through, Tanya will undergo another one to reinforce her spine.
Her mother said she is "hopeful" for success in stopping the growth.

"Two years ago, they told me she was terminal and I asked, 'Where is her date stamp?'" said Strutynski. "She's a fighter and she knows mom is here and will fight with her."

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New TV News Story...

2010-07-12T17:11:00.003-06:00

"Surgery to stop Gigantism is too painful to get to"

Thank you News13 for actually listening to your viewer's and at the same time, helping us to help Tanya!

News13 in Las Vegas, NV.

Thank You, Jon Smith...

2010-07-12T16:49:00.001-06:00

This is so very cool...

A man in Edwinstowe, England named Jon Smith wrote to Tanya at the time we posted her need for the Crayola Crayon keyboard.

When I told Jon that donation request had been filled, he surprised Tanya with something very special and handmade by him for her...Record Jewelry (some of you may know it as 'vinyl')!

What's really sweet is that the records Jon used are two of Tanya's fav's: Aerosmith and the song "Hero" by Mariah Carey.

If people know anything about the real Tanya Angus, they know that she LOVES jewelry...

Way To Go, Jon!!!

Robert Knutzen of PNA is Retiring...

2010-07-07T17:32:00.002-06:00

'In 1990, shortly after being diagnosed with the pituitary disorder Acromegaly, Robert saw an enormous need for an organization to help pituitary patients, so he created the non-profit, Pituitary Network Association. Since that time, he has worked as an advocate on behalf of pituitary patients. He has garnered the support and respect of top medical professionals who recognize the importance of raising pituitary awareness. This coalition between the medical and patient communities has achieved a remarkable level of success in educational endeavors.'

But wait, there's more! Robert is starting an exciting new chapter in his life! Please visit www.TanyaAngus.com homepage for the rest of the story as well as a Press Kit!

A Message from Karen...

2010-07-01T15:36:00.001-06:00

"I just have to tell you all something that you might already know from one of the News3 media clips…I have this 'thing' about angels.

When we met Tina 5-6 years ago, it was truly a blessing. Tanya and I were talking recently about how Tina would kind of take Tanya under her wing. I so appreciated it, because it was important for Tanya to keep her independence as her disease progressed.

As Tina is in our life now, we prepare for another brain surgery. With Tanya’s health fluctuating, Tina plays an important role and is considered by us to be Family (she’ll soon be Tanya’s God-Mother). She cares for Tanya’s well-being by doing what she does with the website (such as screening email content, designing/maintaining and ever updating the website and blog); as well as contacting people and helping us sort out what needs to be done.

All of this helps me to be able to spend more time with my girls and gives me more time to work with the doctors regarding my daughter’s health issues. We could not survive without all the help Tina is assisting us with. Tina is an angel to our family.

Love and Blessings, Karen"

July 01, 2010

VIDEO: Tanya's Rings ~ Aired May 13, 2009

2010-07-01T13:14:00.001-06:00

This is the original breaking news story regarding our much loved Tanya. I contacted News3 and heard back from the Special Projects Producer, Eric Wiener. Eric was nice enough to send me this clip. Thanks Eric, Collette Wieland and News3!

From Tanya's Rings ~ News3 May 13, 2009

"Help ~ I'm Turning Into A Giant" Airing

2010-06-30T21:40:00.003-06:00

F.Y.I.:
Discovery Health will air "Help ~ I'm Turning Into A Giant" on July 2, 2010.

Check your local listing.

Will You DONATE Tanya's Flight?

2010-06-27T12:35:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, Tanya Angus is in the process of preparing mentally, physically and clinically for her fourth brain surgery, to be performed by Dr. Daniel Kelly sometime in July 2010.

Currently, Tanya's travel to (and from) Santa Monica, CA from her home in Las Vegas, NV is scheduled to be done lying in the back of a small van. The trip is expected to take no less than 5 hours, with a Doctor appointment upon her arrival in Los Angeles.

The family is requesting an act of kindness (from either a private or commercial party)...the donation of the flight/airfare for Tanya and Karen, to and from the surgery. This would allow Tanya to be in a much better frame of mind and body for her surgery!

The family realizes that this is a huge request and humbly ask's you to pass this information on to family, friends and the media.

Please contact Tina (via Tanya's website or at tinasark1atgmaildotcom)regarding the donation of Tanya and Karen's flight.

Tanya's MRI Has Been Rescheduled...

2010-06-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

I was notified this morning that Tanya's MRI for yesterday at 1:30pm, was rescheduled. The new appointment is set for Thursday, June 24th at 4pm Pacific Time.

Tina

Guestbook Activated

2010-06-20T20:48:00.000-06:00

I finally got the guestbook going and want to personally invite you to come sign it. This is something that can bring a smile to Tanya's face, anytime she chooses to look at it.

Tanya is back home!

2010-06-19T17:23:00.001-06:00

STATUS UPDATE~
June 18, 2010
Late Friday Night (11:30pm)...
Tanya is back home!
The entire family thanks you for your well wishes!

Upcoming
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
1:30pm...
Tanya is scheduled to have an MRI for her fourth brain surgery, which will take place sometime in July under the skillful hand of Dr. Daniel F. Kelly

Hospital Update From Karen...

2010-06-18T15:02:00.001-06:00

Tanya's excessive bleeding is currently under control (Coumadin thinned out her blood too much and she was bleeding from passing kidney stones). Bless everyone for your prayers and well wishes.

Tanya has been Hospitalized

2010-06-17T22:11:00.002-06:00

I've just been notified by Karen (Tanya Angus' Mom) that Tanya has been hospitalized for issues related to Coumadin (an anticoagulant) and kidney stones. Please keep Tanya and the family in your thoughts.
I invite you to light a virtual candle for Tanya right here (she reads them daily).
Tina

June 2010 Slideshow

2010-06-16T12:47:00.000-06:00

Brain Surgery POSTPONED

2010-06-10T09:55:00.000-06:00

Tanya's July 17th Brain Surgery has been postponed until sometime in July. Doctors want to MRI again for a more accurate assessment. The family thanks everyone for their wonderful notes, comments, emails and well-wishes.

VIDEO: "Help-I'm Turning Into A Giant!", Aired March 14, 2010 TLC

2010-06-06T08:43:00.001-06:00

VIDEO: My News 3 ~ Aired Friday March 12, 2010

2010-06-06T08:35:00.003-06:00

VIDEO: ABC Nightline: Aired March 11, 2010

2010-06-06T08:29:00.007-06:00

VIDEO: The Today Show~Aired June 23, 2009

2010-06-06T08:22:00.007-06:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Rumor Mill says, "A CURE FOUND FOR GIANT WOMAN"...

2010-06-03T16:18:00.002-06:00

This is the new rumor (I've seen circulating like wildfire in the past 24 hours) being posted by news media from India, Thailand, Australia, America and Canada.

Ellen sent me an email yesterday asking if it was true. Karen (Tanya's Mom) and I read in wonder..."where do these people come up with these rumors and why don't they verify first?" I suppose the answer is sensationalism? Oh well, so much for reponsible reporting.

As much as we'd all like to believe the current rumor that a 'cure has been found for Tanya', it's in fact untrue. We don't know who started this rumor, but there has NOT been a cure found for Tanya Angus.

Additionally, the treatment success of lowering Tanya's growth hormone in Dec. 09 (Aired in the TLC documentary, "Help-I'm Turning Into A Giant") was short lived.

Learn More, Learn The Truth at: http://www.TanyaAngus.com

The Bikini Photo

2010-06-03T11:09:00.005-06:00

I still find myself completely dumbfounded with the amount of people posting comments on the Internet, who seem more interested in arguing the statistics of Tanya's bikini shot rather than getting on to the point of the story.

I mean really...Why is it that some women these days are so consumed and brainwashed by society and it's beauty standards, that they can't even focus on the heart of the story? Good Grief...I just answered myself in that they ARE brainwashed! But that's another story.

In any event, in order to help those who can't get past the superficial:
The infamous bikini shot was taken when Tanya was 16 1/2 years old, standing 5'8" tall and weighing around 135-145 pounds.

Let it be settled once and for all.

Tanya's Documentary Aired in the U.K. ~ "WOW, What a great response!"

2010-06-02T07:32:00.006-06:00

Last Night Tanya's documentary aired on BodyShock, and only minutes after it finished the emails started pouring in. I was astounded as I read email after email filled with words like, "my eyes are now opened", caring sentiment and offers of friendship as well as many offers to supply Tanya with the XL keyed keyboard we'd asked for. This morning there are more emails coming in and quite honestly I am still amazed at the warm hearts people (everywhere, but currently) in the U.K. All emails were answered and were forwarded to Tanya and Mom Karen. U.K. ...YOU ROCK!

Keyboard, Mouse & Pad Trio Update:

I want to thank EVERYONE who offered to get the Keyboard, Mouse & Pad Trio for Tanya. That request has been filled by a wonderful woman in the U.K who wishes to remain anonymous.

A Special Thank You To Robert Knutzen and Debi Thompson of Pituitary Network Association for adding a sweet paragraph to link Tanya's website to theirs. Thank You!

Today is Special!

Some of you know that I flew in to Las Vegas on May 31, 2010 and today I'm going to visit Tanya & Karen (it's been nearly 5 years). To say I'm excited is an understatement! Lord willing, I'll be taking lots of pix and learning more about any other needs that Tanya might have and I'll be posting those here and on the website.

Additionally... for all of you amazingly creative Artisans who've offered to make a piece of jewelry for Tanya, I'm hoping to get some neck and wrist measurements today. I'll be posting those here and on the site as well.

Tanya's Back Home!

2010-05-29T04:12:00.000-06:00

I got an email from Karen (Tanya's Mom) that Princess got to come home from the hospital...this is such great news! Tanya had been hospitalized since early-mid May with Emboli (Blood Clots) in her lungs and leg.

Karen and the family are ecstatic of course, and we hope that Tanya will regain a bit of strength in the next few days. Anyone who's ever been hospitalized know how hard it is to get decent sleep when you're in, due to stuff like,"Hey wake up, it's time for your sleeping pill".

And more good news is that this recent health issue and hospital stay have not impacted Tanya's upcoming June 17, 2010 Brain Surgery. Once that procedure is completed and Tanya's Doctors give the go ahead, the next surgery in line is planned to be another back surgery. This back surgery will help reinforce Tanya's spine, as it's been unable to effectively support her weight.

If you'd like to send a well-wishing greeting or send up a good thought that Tanya can see, please light a virtual candle here at Gratefulness.org. Your candle will stay lit for 48 hours.

Request Filled, Thank you Anonymous in Switzerland!

2010-05-26T16:55:00.008-06:00

We are putting this out to you in hopes that someone will donate a computer keyboard with one inch keypads for Tanya (such as this Crayola Keyboard, Mouse and Pad trio available at Amazon for under $33.00).
Tanya's fingers are very large and the keypads on a regular sized computer are simply too difficult to maneuver. This keyboard would help her to be able to communicate with those on the Internet and to be able to write.

If you are willing to donate this type of item, PLEASE contact Tina through this link. Thank you for passing this request on to others!

What if?...

2010-05-25T15:53:00.002-06:00

May 24, 2010

In 2005 I met Karen (Strutynski) and her husband Allen at my job (at that time) as a Leasing Agent for the apartments where I also lived. The Strutynski’s were leasing an apartment for Karen’s daughter Tanya, and from that first meeting I learned that Tanya had Acromegaly…a term which I was unfamiliar with but I knew the term Gigantism. When Tanya came in to sign leasing papers, I of course noted her size immediately. But from the moment we began talking, Tanya’s size vanished from my mind as her sparkling personality, smile and laugh grabbed my heart. I had no true understanding of Acromegaly at that time and it didn’t even cross my mind that Tanya was still growing and faced a multitude of new health issues and pain. Tanya moved into a building near mine and I assured Karen and Allen that I would keep an eye out for Tanya, which I hoped would give them some peace of mind. I learned after checking in on Tanya now and again that she was suffering some agonizing and excruciating migraines…and her recent back surgery was of course, another source of pain. A month later I quit my job and moved away. After that, Karen and I emailed now and then but by the time I moved to another state in 2007 we’d lost touch.

In May of 2010 I was channel surfing before bed and saw what I immediately recognized as Tanya’s face on TV! I turned up the volume and caught the last 20 minutes of TLC’s (The Learning Channel) “Help! I’m Turning Into a Giant”. I was stunned, as the Tanya I knew was now wearing hearing aids and slurring her words a bit. I learned in that last 20 minutes of programming that Tanya had suffered a stroke as well as numerable other health issues including more brain and back surgeries. And when I learned from that airing that Tanya was the only known Acromegaly patient in the World who was not able to be treated successfully by medicines or surgeries (due to the location of her main and satellite tumors), my heart sank. I had to do something to help.

I contacted Karen the following day and reminded her of who I was. I told her that I wanted to help by building and maintaining a website for Tanya. Karen was very thankful and we proceeded. I asked a lot of questions about Tanya and learned about all the pain and surgeries that the last 5 years had brought on. I was stunned to find out that Tanya's meds come to $40,000.00 a month! I wanted the website to be a safe place for Tanya to tell her story as well as appealing to her likes…I found out that Tanya’s likes “Bling” (jewelry) and pretty things, as do most women. So was born the website’s look of Pink Flowers, Gold Ribbon, White Satin and Pearly Tiara’s (Tiara’s? Yes! Princess is Tanya’s nickname).

In my past weeks of researching Acromegaly, I’ve come across many a wonderful Acromegliac sharing their blogs on the Internet. I’ve also learned that one in five persons will develop or harbor a pituitary tumor…that’s right, 1in 5!

So, what if you woke up one morning and noticed that the look of your face or hands or feet was changing? What if day after day these changes became more pronounced? What if you learned that you had a pituitary tumor that was impossible to completely remove? Most people will never have to know the answers to those questions, but Tanya Angus does. And after all the emotional and physical pain that Tanya endures on a regular basis she still finds a way to be “Tanya the Acromegaly Activist”…bringing her story to the media in hopes of preventing her diagnosis from becoming someone else’s diagnosis.

In closing, I ask that you take some time and learn about Acromegaly and Pituitary Disorders and share our website and the links contained in it with your family and friends. These conditions can strike anyone, at any age! We need you to help Tanya Angus in helping others.

Tina (for Tanya)