I have read here and heard in a talk by a radiation oncologist that chemo softens up the cancer so the radiation is more effective. Someone will probably clarify this for you.

I had cisplatin and taxol for ovarian cancer nearly 20 years ago. I lost minimal hearing and suffered some peripheral neuropathy in my toes which I feel only when I am very tired.

1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.