Hi PJ,
What a good niece or nephew you are!
From my recollection, there are 3 types of blood counts that they watch for, all with different solutions. When red blood cells are running low, you can get a blood transfusion to boost them. When white blood cells (aka neutrophils) are low, the neulasta/neupogen shots mentioned above help. And when platelets are low, you can get a platelet transfusion. I hear less often of people getting platelet transfusions--maybe it's more expensive/harder to come by? Platelets are important for clotting. It makes sense that they are being cautious.
All of the advice above sounds helpful! Totally agree on the hydration, leafy greens, herbs, etc. I was advised to cut out red meat for an anti-cancer diet, however. Red meat does provide iron and can help with normal anemia, but my understanding is that the anemia people get when their diet is short of iron-rich foods is different from anemia when your chemotherapy is killing off your red blood cells. My doctor said in this case, eating more iron-rich foods doesn't really help. I'm not an expert, though! No matter what, the leafy greens provide iron and are generally very healthy. But this issue of anemia/red blood cells/iron is different from platelets, of course.
Unfortunately, I am not aware of any foods that improve platelet counts, however.
Good luck to your aunt. Take care!
Tulips