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Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
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- This treatment lowers the amount of platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood to clot. When they are low, you are at an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Try not to bruise or cut yourself.
- Avoid contact sport or vigorous exercise.
- Clear your nose by blowing gently.
- Avoid constipation.
- Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
- Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen or other similar anti-inflammatory medications unless your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any bruising or bleeding.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any uncontrolled bleeding.
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Appetite loss (anorexia)
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- You may not feel like eating.
- Try to avoid drinking fluids at meal times.
- Try to eat small meals or snacks regularly throughout the day.
- Try to eat food that is high in protein and calories.
- If you are worried about how much food you can eat, or if you are losing weight, ask to speak to a dietitian.
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Diarrhoea
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- You may get bowel motions (stools, poo) that are more frequent or more liquid.
- You may also get bloating, cramping or pain.
- Take your antidiarrhoeal medication as directed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Eat and drink small amounts more often.
- Avoid spicy foods, dairy products, high fibre foods, and coffee.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Diarrhoea during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if your diarrhoea is not controlled, you have 4 or more loose bowel motions per day, and if you feel dizzy or light-headed.
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Tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue)
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- You may feel very tired, have no energy, sleep a lot, and not be able to do normal activities or things you enjoy.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired.
- Nap for short periods (only 1 hour at a time)
- Prioritise your tasks to ensure the best use of your energy.
- Eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Try some gentle exercise daily.
- Allow your friends and family to help.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Liver problems
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- You may get:
- yellowing of your skin or eyes
- itchy skin
- pain or tenderness in your stomach
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- You will have regular blood tests to check how well your liver is working.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice that your urine is a dark colour, the whites of your eyes look yellow, or if you have stomach pain.
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Kidney damage
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- This treatment can cause changes to how your kidneys work.
- You will have blood tests to make sure your kidneys are working properly.
- You may need to drink more fluids while you are having treatment. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do this.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice that your urine changes colour or you don't need to empty your bladder as often.
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Mouth pain and soreness (mucositis)
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- You may have:
- bleeding gums
- mouth ulcers
- a white coating on your tongue
- pain in the mouth or throat
- difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Avoid spicy, acidic or crunchy foods and very hot or cold food and drinks.
- Try bland and soft foods.
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush after each meal and at bedtime. If you normally floss continue to do so.
- Rinse your mouth after you eat and brush your teeth, using either:
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, or
- 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 1 cup of warm water
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Mouth problems during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia)
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- The palms of your hands and soles of your feet may become:
- red and hot
- swollen
- painful and tender
- blistered.
- The skin in the area may also peel.
- Moisturise your hands and feet daily with sorbolene or aqueous cream.
- Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
- Avoid hot water, instead use lukewarm water to bathe.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Avoid unnecessary walking, jogging or exercise.
- Wear cotton socks and avoid tight-fitting shoes.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any skin changes on your hands or feet.
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Skin that is more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity)
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- After being out in the sun you may develop a rash like a bad sunburn.
- Your skin may become red, swollen and blistered.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Skin rash
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- You may get a red, bumpy rash and dry, itchy skin.
- Moisturise your skin with a gentle non-perfumed moisturising cream like sorbolene or aqueous cream.
- Do not scratch your skin.
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about other ways to manage your skin rash.
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