By SUSAN SHARP
In the fall of 2006, Anna Cole’s parents were hopeful the surgery their daughter was facing would be the last for a while.
At that time, the little blonde had already endured three operations meant to help her malformed heart.
This surgery more than 16 months ago replaced a valve in her heart with a synthetic one.
While Cole's parents Kevin and Nancy knew the valve would need to be replaced as she grew, they were optimistic the surgery would improve her overall health.
Now, the Coles are not sure the valve and stints also placed in her heart are going to be the answer.
When Anna was born, doctors told her parents their new baby girl had a serious heart problem.
The diagnosis of Anna’s malformed heart came as a complete surprise to the new parents. Routine tests conducted during Nancy Cole’s pregnancy did not reveal any problems
However, after Anna entered the world, doctors learned her tiny heart had big problems.
She only had one artery going into her heart and one coming out. And neither was in the right place, Kevin Cole said in a previous interview. Anna’s heart also had two holes.
Essentially, Anna’s heart lacked all of the necessary elements for a clean and healthy blood flow in her body.
As the years passed, Anna underwent four operations in an attempt to correct her heart problems.
As the last loomed over the Coles in fall 2006, her mother said with a deep breath, “It had been the hardest yet.”
While the family knew the possible risks associated with experimental synthetic valve, they remained hopeful. But it was soon learned the valve was not working.
“The valve was too big,” Kevin Cole said. In order to rectify that problem, a Washington D.C. surgeon, the same one who placed the valve in Anna’s heart, inserted stints to assist her heart in functioning.
Fast forward to November of last year and Anna’s already limited stamina began to deteriorate, said Nancy Cole.
“We knew something was wrong,” she said with the tone of a worried mother.
A trip to the pediatrician brought news that most parents would hate to hear, but the Coles felt some relief in hearing.
“They said she had mono. We thought it was a cardio problem,” Nancy Cole said.
However, another trip to the pediatrician resulted in an appointment with Anna’s cardiologist at Children’s Hospital. After she listened to Anna’s heart, the doctor referred the family to the D.C. heart specialist. In March, he moved forward with an exploratory heart catherization.
After the procedure, the Coles received shocking news.
“His comments came out of left field,” Nancy Cole said describing the report where it was learned Anna’s new valve was now leaking.
A subsequent MRI revealed Anna’s right ventricle was thickening as well.
What followed has created an atmosphere of apprehension and frustration at the Cole home.
Anna’s pediatrician, the heart specialist and an infectious disease specialists now all have differing opinions on the 6-year-old’s health status, her father said.
The Washington D.C. physician told the family mono caused the latest heart problems. However, the infectious disease specialist has ruled out mono as a continuing and contributing factor in Anna’s decline.
The pediatrician believes Anna does has a problem with the valve.
“We have never had doctors with conflicting opinions before,” Nancy Cole said.
“At this point, we just have more questions,” Kevin Cole said as Anna hung upside on the couch next to her mother.
“We feel like it is the valve and the stints,” Nancy Cole said in a maternal tone.
However, for now, the Coles and their daughters are playing a waiting game.
Doctors in Anna’s case are delaying any surgical intervention to give her strength time to improve.
“But it is going the other way,” Kevin Cole said shaking his head. “Everybody is just praying its mono. Nobody wants to open her back up.”
Anna’s life which was to become more typical after the valve operation has done the opposite.
Her school days have been cut in less than half and are followed by two-hour naps -- something her mother deems not typical for any 6 year old.
Anna’s Brownie meetings have also stopped because her stamina does not allow extracurricular activities.
In June, the Coles will travel back to Washington D.C. for another appointment to determine the next step for Anna.
While the family waits and prays, they will have camaraderie on Thursday night.
Anna’s Brownie troop and area Girl Scouts have organized a prayer service for her.
Just before 8 p.m. tonight, individuals can gather at Faithway Assembly of God and Our Lady of Perpetual Help to walk to the Cole’s nearby house.
Once there, a candlelight prayer service complete with a balloon release will surprise Anna. A basket will also be outside the home for cards and well wishes.
The scouts ask that people bring their own candles for the event.
