Your bone marrow produces your blood cells. DTIC can lower the number of white blood cells produced for fighting infections and platelets produced for clotting the blood. Should you have any unusual bleeding or show signs of infection, notify your doctor immediately. To monitor your bone marrow, we will ask you to have periodic blood counts. You will be offered medication to help prevent this.
Nausea usually decreases after the first treatment.
In order to make meals more pleasant, practice good mouth care frequently and before and after meals. Experiment with different seasonings to see which makes food most palatable. Cinnamon candy or gum has been recommended. This may last up to 10 days following treatment, but is rare. Hair loss is minimal and related to the amount of drug given.