To do radiation or colorectal surgery?

In May my father was diagnosed with a 5cm Adenocarcinoma located 4.3 cm to the top of the anorectal junction /sphincter complex, no loss of nuclear expression of MMR proteins, no evidence of deficient mismatch repair. Staged at T3x N+.

Was treated with 6 treatments of FOLFOX. Follow-up MRI indicated, "at least moderately diminished since prior, though on several of the other sequences the appearance of the rectum appears relatively similar", "Regardless, this is felt to reflect some degree of treatment response". Surgery was recommended, due to surgical oncologist having to reschedule consult after latest MRI and due to "great response" to chemo treatment, they added in a 7th chemo treatment. Had to wait 4 weeks post treatment to do surgery. Surgery was scheduled, then canceled due to surgeon no longer at hospital. Waited another 2 weeks for new surgical oncologist who is now saying due to location would have high probability of lifelong colostomy, this new doctor would recommend radiation treatment instead, though they do not have a large number of information/results with this treatment protocol.

I understand that everyone has a different experience, but has anyone experience such a huge swing in recommendation? Or has anyone had radiation prior to surgery? I really appreciate any information that anyone has to give.