Chemotherapy slows the production of platelets, cells that help the blood to clot or stop flowing if there is an injury. Bleeding problems can be triggered by certain medications, injuries, vigorous exercise, or deep massage when your platelet count is low.

Your goals

• Prevent bleeding.
• Control bleeding, if it starts.
• Call for professional help when needed.

Urgent signs and symptoms-Call clinic or hospital operator NOW

• Bloody urine
• Bloody diarrhea
• Nosebleed that does not stop within 30 minutes
• Vomiting blood
• Falls or injury to patient
• Needing feminine pads more frequently than one per hour

Important signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse

• Small red or purple spots on the skin or in the mouth
• New or increased bleeding or bruising

What you can do at home

• Do not take over-the-counter medications without consulting your nurse, doctor or pharmacist. Certain medications can increase your risk of bleeding. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or cold remedies containing these drugs.
• Take blood pressure medications as ordered. High blood pressure can trigger bleeding.
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
• Do not use razor blades. Use electric razors for shaving.
• Use caution to avoid falls.
• Do not exercise vigorously. Follow activity guidelines from your physical therapist or doctor.
• Do not have deep massage.
• Do not blow nose hard or scratch inside of nose.
• Women with menses should use pads, not tampons.
• Women should not resume sexual intercourse if they have experienced any vaginal bleeding within 2 weeks.
• Do not have anal sex until platelet count is stable.
• Do not use suppositories, enemas, or rectal thermometers.

Control bleeding if it starts

• Apply pressure to the bleeding site. For example, for nosebleed, press the nostrils together firmly with fingers, or wrap ice in a soft cloth and press it firmly against the nostrils.
• Hold pressure on bleeding site for a full 5 minutes before checking to see if bleeding has stopped.
• Remain calm.
• Call for professional help when needed. If a nosebleed doesn't stop after 30 minutes of pressure, contact the clinic or hospital.
• When transporting a patient with a bleeding problem, keep pressure on the bleeding site. Keep the patient quiet and minimize activity.

"Symptom Management" - Table of Contents >>  Suggestions for Coping with Care at Home >>  Anemia >>  Anxiety >>  Bleeding >>  Body Image Changes >>  Breathing Problems >>  Change and Uncertainty >>  Constipation >>  Dehydration >>  Depression >>  Diarrhea >>  Fatigue >>  Fever >>  Hair Loss >>  Infection >>  Kidney and Bladder Effects >>  Memory and Concentration >>  Mouth Pain/ Mucositis >>  Nausea and Vomiting >>  Nerve and Muscle Effects >>  Pain >>  Sexuality >>  Sleep Disturbances >>  White Blood Cells >>  Symptom Notes