HI...I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2010...had surgery to remove mass...lived with a colostomy for a year, which was reversed a year ago...I had chemo and radiation with the original diagnosis...ever since being reconnected my bowel habits have been abnormal...going from diarrhea to constipation...figured it was my body trying to readjust...and also figured there was damage done by not only the surgeries but from radiation.  For the past few days I have been mainly constipated with very small bowel movement several times a day...but now they contain a certain amount of mucous...should I be concerned?  I am again on chemo...so I know that messes with my system.
Dear, Thanks for your query. Post radiation effect does cause the symptoms you described. You need to be on less spicy foods and more fiber foods. I wonder why you are again on chemo unless your doctor observed that there was recurrence or there was metastasis. There are chances of post defecation bleed also in due course depending upon the dose of radiation you received. Only symptomatic management is helpful in such cases. Constipation has in any way to be avoided by using laxatives in consultation with your doctor.