Bruising and Bleeding
Damage to bone marrow from chemotherapy (myelosuppression) can also lead to depletion of platelets, cell fragments that enable blood to clot. This is known as thrombocytopenia. The result can be easy bruising or even life-threatening hemorrhage. Symptoms may include headaches, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, bloody vomit or stools (a sign of internal bleeding) and heavy menstruation. A low blood count from chemotherapy is usually temporary. To manage it, your doctor may adjust your treatment—for example, by prescribing a lower dose or recommending a longer wait between treatment cycles. There is also medication that can prevent the development of an extremely low platelet count during chemotherapy.
