So sorry to hear this. I'm surprised they didn't offer chemo as an option as well. Radiation could be helpful and shrink the tumors, and could at the very least buy some more time, hopefully quality time. Side effects of radiation are not as intense as those of chemo. Most of the complications of radiation happen many years after treatment is finished. Aside from the immediate effects which can include skin burns and fatigue.
I can certainly imagine not wanting to have such a horrible surgery that you describe, at least not unless it was going to offer hope of a cure.
Please let us know what happens.
Wishing you all the best,
Wendy