My mother, 85, is refusing to go back to complete her radiation treatments. She had 17 and is supposed to have 25. She stopped because of the side effects (rectal soreness, lower back pain, extreme triedness and not sleeping). The radiation oncologist has not offered any alternatives as yet. I'm sure it will be surgery which she will also refuse to have. (She is Stage 2 and also took xeloda on her treatment days). Any advice??