Recommended Links Resources on other Web sites for cancer patients and their caregivers 
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Patients who have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) should be carefully monitored for any changes in the status of their disease. Regular blood tests and bone scans will enable physicians to change treatment approaches or to introduce new ones should a patient's MDS progress.
Patients with MDS may also consider the benefits of treatments available only through clinical trials. MDS patients who have undergone bone marrow transplant also require frequent assessment for signs of graft versus host disease (a potential complication of allogeneic transplant) recurrence of disease, and recovery of the immune system.
Other Aspects of Survivorship
To help patients manage some of the other issues that may come up in survivorship, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a wide range of programs for cancer survivors, including the following:
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Rehabilitation Therapy
Medical treatments for hematologic malignancies can decrease a patient's strength and endurance and increase fatigue. Patients may find it difficult to complete basic daily activities, such as taking a shower or getting dressed. Walking or maintaining an active lifestyle may become a burden.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering's physical and occupational therapists are knowledgeable about the medical treatments provided to patients with hematologic malignancies. They can help patients combat the side effects of treatment and of cancer by teaching them specific therapeutic exercises and energy conservation techniques aimed at maintaining strength and endurance while decreasing fatigue in everyday life.
See Rehabilitation for further information about our services, including appointment information.
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Counseling Center
At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, we have learned that some people benefit from one-on-one counseling for issues that may be complicating their ability to adjust to MDS and its treatment. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Counseling Center offers this form of counseling.
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Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine combines the discipline of modern science with the wisdom of ancient healing. Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Integrative Medicine Service was established in 1999 to complement our mainstream medical care and address the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families. The service includes inpatient and outpatient clinical care.
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Survivorship & Support
Although a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming event, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering we know that a patient's life isn't just about cancer. We understand that life is different after a cancer diagnosis: the effects of the disease and its treatment can present unique challenges. Patients may have physical, spiritual, emotional, or practical concerns. Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers comprehensive support services and other resources for people facing the challenges of cancer survivorship. Find out more about these services in our Survivorship & Support section of the Web site.
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Help for the Older Cancer Patient
A diagnosis of cancer is difficult at any age, but older patients face unique challenges. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is committed to providing cancer patients aged 65 and older with the treatment, facilities, and support they need.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers the services of a multidisciplinary geriatric team, which includes physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, as well as members of the Pain and Palliative Care Department and the Integrative Medicine Service. The programs and care the team provides focus on the needs of elderly cancer patients.
For more information about our services for older patients as well as for their family and friends, visit the Help for the Older Patient section of our Web site.
