Hi Bev,
As far as I understand the IPPS score is used more than REABI etcetera. Then you should realize that the prognosis often is much better than in the tables because we have better treatment today.
Here is a link to the diagnostic criteria for MDS.
Look at page 35.
http://www.hematologics.com/pdf/ref36.pdf
I had the dx myelofibrosis (a myeloproliferative disease) June 2006 to Sept 2007 and a median of 26 more months to live. Then my dx was changed to MDS Interm-1 with a median of 42 months from dx (May 2006) but of cause I hope to live longer - 42 months is only a rather old statistical figure.
Revlimid is considered to be a very effective treatment for patient with 5q-deletion.
Then I think your husband should have Neupogen or someting similar for his low neutrophils.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A
69 yo, dx MDS May 2006, Myelofibrosis June 2006 - Sept 2007, MDS Interm-1 since Sept 2007, transfusion dependent , Desferal 4 days with transfusion, Neupogen 2 injections/week. Now waiting for Eltrombopag for my low platelets (last count 49), asymptomatic