I understand all too well the difficulty regarding APR. I have had all my Mayo physicians and the tumor board say for "cure" that is what I need to do. I am 77 and not a fan of major surgery at this stage without any metastases, no concrete evidence of any cancer at this time in lower rectum, I feel good, take dance fitness class and walk 1-2 miles most days. My cancer took a year and a half to find as it was inside a large tumor upon which they did an transanal resection. I was unable to complete the full chemo/radiation course as a result of a stroke-like reaction to an infusion. However, the tumor got much smaller and I was told I had a Near-complete response. I have read the MSK report and, 3-4 months post treatment, there was no change in size of the tumor. I go back in early April for another set of scans. I may be forced to have the surgery at some point, but I just cannot justify it now. They cite markers in the scans that point to the likelihood the remaining tumor contains cancer still. After study of all the tests, I have decided to wait and see. Good luck. I will cross my fingers for you.