Hi there!
Unlike the old days, there are several therapies for MDS now, some FDA-approved and some in clinical trials. A lot will depend on what the bone marrow biopsy shows. Most of the drugs that are used for MDS have significant side effects, but they aren't really "chemo." That is, they aren't cytotoxic drugs that try to wipe out cancer cells and wind up wiping out a lot of other stuff in the process. In short, they aren't as harsh as "chemo."
The FDA-Approved drugs Vidaza and Dacogen are used for higher-risk MDS patients. If your Dad has a chromosomal abnormality called deletion 5q, then another drug called Revlimid might be the choice. Certain other characteristics might suggest trying immunosuppressants, like ATG and cyclosporine.
There's a drug in clinical trial right now called Promacta that specifically aims to increase platelet production.
So, there are a variety of options, and none of them as scary as "chemo."
Have you checked out the AA&MDS website at
http://www.aamds.org/? There's lots of good info there about MDS.
Once you have the results of your Dad's BMB, if you need help interpreting it, just ask around here. Folks can help.
Take Care!
Greg