Bleeding Problems

Take these steps:

Protect yourself.

• Use an electric shaver, not a razor.
• Be careful when using scissors, knives, or other sharp objects.
• Wear shoes all the time to protect your feet.
• Blow your nose gently.
• Brush your teeth with a very soft toothbrush.
• Tell your TCI care provider if you have hard bowel movements or feel constipated.

Don’t do things that could make it easier to bleed.

• Don’t use dental floss or toothpicks.
• Don’t pick at pimples or scabs.
• Don’t play rough sports.
• Don’t put anything in your rectum, not even a thermometer or medicine.

Call a member of your TCI care team if you experience any of these changes:

Skin changes

• Bruises.
• Tiny, red pinpoint spots on your skin.

Head or vision changes

• Bad headaches.
• Changes in how well you see.
• Feeling confused or very sleepy.

Bleeding

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few minutes.
• Bleeding from your mouth or nose.
• Bleeding from your vagina when you are not having your period (menstruation).

Changes when you go to the bathroom

• Blood in your urine. The urine will have a red or pink color to it.
• Black or pink stools.

Questions to ask your TCI care team:

• What problems should I call you about?
• How long should I wait for the bleeding to stop before I call you or go to the emergency room?
• Is it okay to drink beer, wine, or other drinks with alcohol?
• Is it okay to have sex?
• Can I take medicine, vitamins, herbs, or supplements?
• What should I do if I bruise?

Talk with your TCI care provider before you take any medicine, vitamins, or herbs.

“My nurse said that chemotherapy could make it easier for me to bruise and bleed. He told me what to call him about, such as red, pinpoint spots.”