I also have a new diagnosis of anal cancer; mine in greater than 2cm and in the sphincter muscle. I will have radiation and chemo for 6 weeks. This is one of the questions I asked my radiation oncologist because of comments I read on here. He told me that if my muscle is working now, it should continue to work after radiation is finished. I hope he is correct. I will see my other oncologist on Tuesday to get my plan of care for chemo. It will be concurrent with the radiation and my radiation oncologist said it is normally at first and last treatment of radiation. I was expecting weekly treatments so this make me feel better about what is coming. I try to remember that everyone has different experiences, but I still appreciate reading their comments. Even if I don't go through the same side effects, I feel that I can learn more from everyone. Ask lots of questions with your care providers and research as much as you can so that you are prepared and can make choices that are right for you. By the way, I am a critical care nurse whose brother died from colon cancer. He had a colostomy and dealt well with it. He was able to continue all activities until just before he died. Good luck and prayers for you.