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Increased susceptibility to infection and tendency to bleed

Good to know

Chemotherapies and radiotherapy can temporarily impair the production of certain blood cells. For that reason, your blood count is regularly tested.

The number of white blood cells (leucocytes) may decrease. Because these cells are important for your defence against infection, your susceptibility to infection may be increased during this period.

The number of platelets in your blood may decrease. These cells are important for blood clotting. You may therefore have a greater tendency to bleed during this period.

The number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) decreases (anaemia). These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Anaemia can lead to increased fatigue and breathlessness on exertion.

You feel...
Or you notice...
What you can do for yourself...
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • No signs of an infectious disease (normal body temperature)
What you can do for yourself...
  • Practise strict hand hygiene to stop the spread of germs: wash your hands with soap systematically.
  • Wash vegetables and fruit before eating them.
  • Flu vaccination might make sense. Ask your oncologist about this but do not get vaccinated on your own initiative.
  • It is best to schedule treatment with a dental hygienist before the therapy.
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • Raised body temperature/fever of up to 38 °C
  • More frequent nosebleeds and gum bleeding
  • Red dots under the skin
  • You feel increasingly tired and worn out 
What you can do for yourself...

If the treatment that you have had has led to a sharp fall in your white blood cell count, you are advised, only during this time:

  • to avoid gatherings of people and contact with people with an infectious illness,
  • not to eat raw meat, raw eggs, raw fish or seafood.

If your platelet count falls:

  • Tell your dentist about this if you are having dental treatment.
  • Avoid work tasks and sports that frequently cause injury.
  • You can prevent frequent nosebleeds by treating the lining of your nose with a nasal ointment.
  • Do not use dental floss if this causes injuries and bleeding. Use a soft toothbrush.
  • Make sure you have soft bowel motions if you suffer from haemorrhoids.

 

You feel...
Or you notice...
  • Chills and temperature of 38 °C or above
  • Rapid onset of feeling severely unwell
  • Pain when you pass urine or blood in your urine
  • Severe cough and severe sore throat
  • Recurrent bleeding or bleeding that does not stop
  • Persistent tiredness and dizziness
  • Red dots under the skin are becoming more frequent
What you can do for yourself...
  • Contact the treatment team immediately—do not delay. Do not take any steps to lower your temperature on your own initiative.

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