Hi jearlesred! I had 6 weeks of radiation ending at the same time as you and am still seeing side effects from it (passing blood here and there along with occasional pain). I had a colostomy done in November 2012 and was given the ok to go forward with the reversal in the next few weeks. I'm scared to have the reversal with still having lingering effects from radiation. Not sure what to do.

Hi lisaissa, since posting this question I have had to have another colostomy put in. My doctors discovered two abscesses and a small leak. It's strange because I was given the okay for reversal back in November, had the reversal, and didnt show any signs of leaks or infection for six months. My doctor tells me we can reverse it again in another six months, but I'm not so sure about that. I know the effects from radiation can show up years after treatment - I'm scared too.

Hi jearlesred; I was diagnosed with Stage 3C endometrial cancer in Dec. 2011; had a total hysterectomy; chemo; internal and external radiation treatments. In Aug.2012 I had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer; had
a hemi colectomy but no further treatments.
I continue to have occasional abdominal bloating and bowel issues that may soon require wearing Depends. I believe this is all due to radiation damage. I am not sure how to answer your questions but my hunch is that the surgeons do the best job they can and every patient has their own individual results.. That's how they get their statistics, I suppose. I am thankful that I did not need a colostomy but recently I had an elevated CEA level and may need to have another PET scan. Not sure what's ahead? and find this concerning some days.
Wishing you well.