Talking often with the doctor is important [2] to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

• What subtype of MDS do I have?
• What risk group am I in? What does this mean?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• What is my prognosis?
• How do I find a doctor who specializes in the treatment of MDS?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• Do I need to start treatment right away?
• What are my treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What are the goals of this treatment?
• How often will I need to be treated, and how long will I receive treatment?
• Will treatment be given in the hospital, or can it be given at the doctor’s office or clinic?
• Do I need someone to come with me when I get my treatment?
• What are the possible side-effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?  
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before treatment begins?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my medical care, who can help me with these concerns?
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Is there concern about this disease occurring in other members of my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?