MDS is a bone marrow failure disorder
MDS Liaison: Resources available to you through the MDS Foundation

The diagnosis of MDS is often unexpected and filled with both immediate and long-term challenges.  Assisting patients and their caregivers to live with the highest quality of life possible despite the diagnosis of MDS is the primary mission of The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation.  Cancer patients need both specialized medical care and support services to address a range of issues that can affect their health and well-being.

There are many excellent resources to aid in managing day to day challenges.

Organizing your resources and asking for help is the first step.

 We encourage you to contact the MDS Foundation

1-800-MDS-0839 (within the US)

1-609-298-1035 (outside the US)

email: ahassan@mds-foundation.org

In addition to The MDS Foundation (multisite-demo.com ), there are many other resources that may help you manage each day.

    1. First, it is important to make the most of your relationship with your health care team. This will improve your participation in making decision about your health and treatment.
    2. Enter each of the members of your health care team into the MDS Manager. This will allow you to access the information quickly.  The contact information can be saved to the contact list on your device.  Communication among and between the members of your health care team will improve your health.
    3. Keeping track of symptoms or problems you are experiencing between visits to your health care provider using the MDS Manager symptom tracker will help you track day to day events. Making notes about questions to ask at your next visit will help prioritize the items you would like to discuss.

 
We have included links to specific resources from several well-respected cancer advocacy organizations that provide general information for cancer patients.

Be the Match:  Information for patients undergoing bone marrow transplant https://bethematch.org/

American Cancer Society:  https://www.cancer.org/about-us/what-we-do.html  Helpline 800-227-2345

Cancer Care: http://www.cancercare.org/contact     Services:  800‑813‑HOPE (4673)

https://media.cancercare.org/publications/original/178-helping_hand.pdf?1442411382

Cancer.net:  The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) patient information website (www.cancer.net )

Oncolink: Online links to cancer resources.   https://www.oncolink.org/

Review answers to commonly asked questions or get answers to your questions from an MDS expert