Hi Annette,
I'm sorry about your mother. How old is she? Just because she is in her 70's does not necessarily rule out transplantation - especially a "mini transplant" where not all of the patients marrow is destroyed - this in't a scholarly link, but you get the idea:
http://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/rel...ransplant.html
Where is your mother being treated? - is the doctor a specialist in MDS? Is the hospital a treatment center with expertise in MDS? Here is a link to what the MDS Foundation considers "Centers of Excellence."
http://www.mds-foundation.org/mds-ce...of-excellence/
Regardless of the qualifications of your doctor, I'm concerned he seems a bit arrogant and does not answer all of your questions . There really is no excuse for that and there are many doctors who are in the top of their field who will take the time to make sure you understand everything. MDS will bring you into frequent contact with your hematologist, nursing staff, clinics, hospitals etc - you and your mother should feel comfortable with all of those people and places. I suggest you try and find an MDS specialist and get a second opinion. If you are not near one of the major MDS centers it may be worth a bit of a trip to get an opinion on possible treatment plans and to fully understand what you mothers options are.
Best of luck. Paul