• Low white cell counts leave you vulnerable to infection, so it will be important to avoid people with colds or
  the flu and to take other preventive measures ( see Guarding Against Infection ).
• Low platelet counts may lead to easy bruising and bleeding, so you'll have to take care to avoid cuts, burns or
  injuries and to avoid aspirin and alcohol. If the platelet count is very low, you can get a transfusion. The bone
  marrow will usually return to normal in two or three weeks.
    Some drugs have very specific side effects. Your doctor can spell these out for you, indicate your chance of having them and outline special measures you can take to minimize or prevent them ( see Coping with Treatment ). For information on the latest drugs being used in clinical trials , see Advances in Cancer Genetics .
    If you need additional information, several excellent books can be consulted, including Coping with Chemotherapy, by Nancy Bruning, Nutrition for the Cancer Patient, by Janet Ramstack and Emest H. Rosenbaum, and A Comprehensive Guide for Cancer Patients and Their Families, by Ernest H. Rosenbaum and Isadora Rosenbaum.