All Educational Resources

PET metastatic breast cancer

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is it?

It is a scan to find and look at estrogen receptor (ER) positive lesions in adults with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

Your Appointment:

Changes to Insurance:

These exams often need pre-authorization. Letting us know about changes before the test can help lessen delays. 

  • If you have any changes to your insurance:
  • Call Registration before your appointment.
  • 1-866 309-0832 

If you cannot do the prep: 

  • You may not be able to have the test. 
  • You may need to be rescheduled. 

If you need to cancel: 

Call the P.E.T Center 1-319-356-4100

Getting ready for your test:

  • Do not wear jewelry.
  • Do not wear clothing with metal.

Before your test, tell your doctor or nurse if:

  • You are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • You are nursing.
  • You have a fear of closed-in places.
  • You are very nervous. 

We can give you a medicine to help you relax. You will need a licensed driver with you before we can give you this medicine.

Food:

  • Eat and drink as normal. 
  • Drink a lot of water.

If you have any other test today and are told not to eat or drink, follow those instructions.

Medication:

Stop taking:

  • Tamoxifen (8 weeks before your test)
  • Fulvestrant (28 weeks before your test)

Take all of your other medicines with water.

What to expect:

  • You may be in the PET Center for 2 to 3 hours. 
  • You will wait in a room for 45 minutes before the test.
  • The test will take 30 to 45 minutes.

During the test we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV).

After the test you may:

•    Eat your normal diet.
•    Do your normal activity.