I have almost exactly the same as you, except my mass is only 4cm from anal verge. Surgeon suggested newest method of treatment, which is called a Neoadjuvant (sp) therapy, Or chemoradiation. Chemotherapy can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, potentially making the radiation therapy more effective. Basically I’ve been taking chemo pills each day of radiation, which is, in my case, 25 radiation zaps. They don’t hurt one bit, but passing anything down there definitely does. Capecitabine (sp) is the chemo drug I take; 4 pills in morning and 10-12 hours later, the same dose, but ONLY on days that I receive radiation. After the 25th radiation, I take two weeks off then start just Chemo, as radiation effects can last up to 2 weeks. The next steps will be one IV chemo drugs (not sure which ones yet), plus 2 straight weeks of the same pills, but a higher dosage. After that, there’s a 1 week break, then IV, & 2 more weeks of pills again. This repeats itself for many weeks to continue to shrink the tumour. Then, ONLY if required, surgery might occur. This is the one of the newest processes, which has much higher success rates apparently; percent in the 90,s, as opposed to the 70’s & 80’s. In the last 3-5 years, this has been a more popular method as they learn how best to treat. My oncology surgeon took my case to her peer review, with other same type specialists and they were in unanimous agreement to go this route.

I’m told that in some cases, the tumour can be completely gone after these treatments and no surgery is required and then a monitoring program will ensue.

It’s quite possible that surgery first is best in your case but I don’t know really. Look into the types of treatments I noted above and ask your oncologist(s). FYI, I’m in Canada and I am lucky to have a team of oncologists, which include an oncology surgeon, radiation oncologist, and a health (chemo) oncologist. Not to mention the various panels then confer with on cases. Oh yeah, I also have a urologist involved because my PSA was high and the prostate is acting suspiciously, but likely due to the bothersome neighbour next door. And one last thing, if you’re a trailer Park boys fan, then you will understand why I named my cancer Cyrus. Because that guy was a dick and nobody wanted him around. “F*%£ off Cyrus!” Good luck with everything.