Small blood vessels began bursting, she developed infections from the many food and medicine tubes connected to her, and she contracted pneumonia. Anna's doctors told her family she didn't have long to live. With the prognosis so negative, almost Anna's entire family managed to get to Maryland. Grandchildren and cousins traveled from New York, Chicago, Oregon, and Washington to lend support and be there in case the worst happened. The family was focused on the fact that the worst would indeed happen, and there were several arguments about how to proceed, or whether to proceed at all, with Anna's treatment.
Families often set unrealistic expectations, especially for people with multiple illnesses.
They're not just going to get up and go home. Anna's family debated what to do next. Her son, Ira, refused to have her undergo more surgery. He was adamant in his belief that she had been through enough already, and should be allowed to die without additional suffering. Linda had the opposite view, and at a time when they should've been able to comfort each other, their relationship was strained and cold.