Does anyone know any specifics about getting radiation and/or chemo prior to surgery in rectal cancer? I had read that in larger tumors, you should radiate first to shrink it. My husband just had surgery and they were convinced prior to surgery that the tumor was confined to the bowel, so dthey did not think preop radiation was necessary. Well, once the path came back after surgery, it was discovered that although the tumor was confined to the bowel (not through the bowel wall and into the perirectal fat) Three of 12 lymph nodes were positive - which makes it stage III. I worry that he should have had therapy prior to surgery now that we know about the nodes. I know I cannot turn back time and change what has been done, but I would appreciate information from anyone who has had experience with this.
Thanks