Because our bone marrow is suppressed, our bodies cannot make the platelets necessary for clotting, so we bleed or bruise more easily while undergoing chemotherapy. Other symptoms that can appear include:

• Red spots appear under our skin
• Urine or stools look unusual
• Gums or nose bleed

If this type of bleeding begins, we must frequently go to the hospital for blood transfusions to replace red blood cells and lost platelets. Here are some tips if that happens to you:

• Ask your doctor exactly what symptoms you might expect and what precautions you should take
• Report any unusual symptoms to your physician
• Always talk to your doctor before using medications, even aspirin or Alka-Seltzer that thin blood and slow its ability to clot
• Avoid potential injuries by skipping contact sports and using knives or kitchen tools
• Wear a padded glove while handling hot dishes
• Exercise care when handling hot household objects, such as heater vents and lit light bulbs
• Wear protective clothing while gardening and gloves while handling thorny plants
• Brush teeth with an extra soft toothbrush dipped in warm water
• Blow your nose very gently, without applying pressure to your nostrils to minimize nosebleed.

See also

• Managing side effects
  

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or anemia
• Infection
• Mouth, gum, and throat problems
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Nerve and muscle effects
• Skin and nail changes
• Kidney and bladder effects
• Fluid retention
• Tooth decay
• Sexual changes