Hiya.   I was on a similar journey with a T1-2 some 5 years ago, albeit I'm 20 years your senior.   I also had a EUA and that was a really good move because it gave the surgeons a proper heads up of what was really hiding there and what to do ahead of any surgery.  In effect, just popping their heads into the loft to have a look around instead of taking the whole bloody roof off.   I've just clocked 5 years (last week) since the surgery and recovered in time for a full Christmas dinner.  I ended up with a permanent stoma but, as you say, a small price to pay for life.   I also managed to avoid any chemo or radio, which was a bonus.   :happy:

Popping their heads into the attic!!! I love it haha

Yes, I'm grateful they took that extra step. Did you have keyhole surgery? Sounds like there are multiple options with rectal cancer...aren't we lucky LOL

No - I was unzipped like a kipper and now sport a barely visible scar from navel to nuts.  I gave permission for the surgeons to trial a potential new procedure on me (well, I wasn't exactly going to wake up and withdraw consent half way through), which reduced the surgery time from an average 7-8 hours to 4.5 hours.   They only did that because they'd done the EUA.   Keyhole is far less invasive and would very likely be what you'd have anyway, aiding faster recovery.   The techniques are getting better all the time.   Good luck.