I had LAR 1st and then chemo (Xeldoa) and radiation. The surgeon said I wouldn't have to have radiation but the onoc disagreed. I had full pelvic for 25 treatments and 5 "pointed". The cancer was at the "P-trap". I had rare cancer cells at the turmor site. I had a hysterectomy, c section, gallbladder removal 40 years ago. The radiation caused atropy at those old surgical sites. I also had problems with pain after the last 5 treatments. None before. I felt like my tail bone was going to explode. I have 2 total hip replacements. They tried to "shoot" around the metal. I never took a pain pill since I was DX even after surgery until after those last 5 treatments.
If you are female, follow on the advice - my onoc dr was "useless on that score". It's been 8 months since my last treatment and I feel fine except for the gyno problems.
Sorry - an awful lot of "I"
Age: 64 female
DX: 11/21/12 CRC T1 1nc MX
LAR: 12/21/11
Xeloda and Rad: 1 - 3/12
4/12: Clear scan
12/3: Colonscopy with a new polyp - waiting DX