This can take the form of excessive bruising or bleeding from wounds, or slow bleeding into the stomach or intestine, which could appear as black stools. The chemotherapy dose will be adjusted to achieve maximum effect on the tumor cells without dangerously affecting the ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells in sufficient quantities. The mouth, stomach, and intestines are lined with cells that divide relatively rapidly. Anticancer drugs can affect these organs, leading to mouth sores and diarrhea. Good mouth care and a soft toothbrush will help prevent mouth sores.
Some patients find frozen juices, ice cream, and watermelon to be very soothing.
When chemotherapy affects the lining of the intestine, the result may be diarrhea. Eating smaller portions more often, and avoiding high fiber foods may be helpful. The healthcare provider can recommend a vaginal lubricant if necessary. To help prevent infection, oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly should be avoided, and the woman should be advised to wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a ventilated cotton lining. Damage to the ovaries may result in infertility, the inability to become pregnant.