I was told not recommended. My sister died of AML M-4 January, 2006, a few months before my mitral valve went bust. At the time of my diagnosis I removed myself from the marrow donor list. I would not go through this process for a stranger, at any risk to myself given my 2 mechanical valves.
HOWEVER, if you are a good match for your sister, I'd surely chase after getting permission. I know the neupogen makes the stem cells migrate from the bone marrow into the blood stream, the shots are given a week or 2 weeks prior to harvest, and then they are harvested over a period of several days in a long process similar to donating plasma - out one arm, back in the other. I suspect there's some heparin involved in this process. I'd sure as heck talk very closely with the oncologist about the process, and whether you perhaps have to hold your coumadin (if any) or any other precautions like bridging during actual harvesting.
God bless you and your sister. You have my prayers. Leukemia sucks more than any other cancer, in my book.
I see you have a tissue valve 'cause you are not on coumadin? You might be a better donor than me, with my mechanicals. I know your surgery was just a year ago, and that's a factor. But if you are well recovered, It's worth checking into.
