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From stage 4 diagnosis to cancer-free for Mascara
News of Mascara's recovery began to circulate last week and quickly made the county circuit. However, the judge refused to publicly comment until now.
Mascara, who was diagnosed mid-summer with stage four esophageal cancer and told he would not live through the spring, received word last week from his doctor that the judge's recent PET scan showed no signs of cancer.
"I was shocked," said Mascara. "For the first few days, I was just overwhelmed, seeing family and friends who have been so kind and supportive."
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According to Mascara, he had been diagnosed with the rare cancer that affects fewer than 5 in 100,000 people in the United States. And he had been told that the cancer had spread to his liver, lymph nodes and other areas of his body.
While the prognosis was devastating, Mascara said he never gave up hope, although he had begun to write in a journal for his youngest son and letters to all of his children. Mascara has four children, ages 4, 12, 13 and 23.
"I wanted him to know who I am, my morals, my values and how much I loved him, his mother and my other children," he said.
In fact, he was writing in the journal when he learned his latest test results.
The 53-year-old Mascara said he was in the waiting room at his doctor's office when the nurse stuck her head in and said "good news today" and closed the door. The nurse then opened the door, gave him a huge smile and said, "very good news," before taking him into an examination room.
Mascara said he immediately took the pen he was using and scribbled on the examination table tissue paper in huge letters: "Finally some good news. NEVER doubt the power of prayer."
"At that point, I got down on my knees, thanked God for whatever the good news was and waited for my oncologist," he said.
Soon after, the oncologist told Mascara that his cancer was gone. The oncologist didn't know how or why, but repeated that the cancer was just gone.
Mascara had been receiving drip chemotherapy every three weeks and taking oral chemotherapy pills since his diagnosis. The judge said he suffered virtually no side effects from the chemotherapy and was told his blood remained good throughout.
But his doctor can't necessarily attribute his recovery to the treatment.
"In my heart, I attribute the change to my faith in Jesus Christ and God, as well as all the prayers said for me," Mascara explained. "I just never gave up hope."
Mascara said that early on, he asked his doctor if he had a shot at recovery. The doctor told him everyone has "a shot" and told him about a woman who went into complete remission after only two rounds of chemotherapy.
"She was stage four and there was no medical explanation for her quick remission," said Mascara. "I told him, 'I am going to be your second miracle.'"
Throughout his ordeal, Mascara, who serves as the county's dependency judge, continued working, mostly missing only days that he received chemotherapy at the Hillman Center in Pittsburgh.
"My work has been cathartic and a reality check," he said. "I see these abused and neglected kids day in and day out; their ability to persevere, and their resilience is a true testimony to the strength of the human spirit."
The judge added, "I drew strength from their strength. When you see a kid overcome insurmountable odds, it is hard to sit around and feel sorry for yourself. I feel an obligation to spread the news that prayer works."
Mascara was elected to the bench in 2003. He is the son of Frank Mascara, former Washington County controller, commissioner and U.S. representative, and his wife, Dolores, of Charleroi.
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Prayer- Healing : 11/12/2009
Thanks for sharing this article and many thanks to Judge Mascara for his willingness to give God the Glory! PRAYER DOES WORK!
Prayers and Angels : 11/12/2009
When my dad heard the news of the judges illness, he prayed for him daily. My dad prayed for others and never himself. My dad recently passed away, wish he were here to hear this wonderful news. Judge you now have a special angel up above.
Prayer - Healing : 11/12/2009
Thanks for the article. I need prayer/healing for my 8 eight year old grandson who was diagnosed on Monday with severe Crohn's disease.
AMEN : 11/12/2009
It is very refreshing to see God glorified and given His due. Prayer DOES work! Ask any member of Malden Christian Fellowship! God bless you and your family, Judge Mascara!
The Power of God : 11/12/2009
I am so glad that Judge Mark Mascara has received this wonderful new. He certainly is an inspiration to all of us that we should never give up. Also that the power of God's amazing love, strength, courage, and healing are what he is all about. We should all remember this and Pray each and every day for the blessings that he bestows up each of us. Great News, Mark. I am very happy for your recent report. Take care and enjoy those children, your wife, and other family members and friends.
Miracles, Signs and Wonder : 11/13/2009
As it has been prophetically spoken, this IS the season of miracles, signs and wonders! Believe God's word and watch Him work in and through your life. God gets the praise, honor, and glory!
The Lord still heals : 11/13/2009
That is what I like to read in my local newspaper!!! Thank you for publishing this article and thanks to Judge Mascara for acknowledging God as his healer. People need to be reminded that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The miracles that we read about in the Bible are still happening!
We are encouraged. : 11/13/2009
It was great meeting you to hear and now read your story. Please pray for our great friend and man of faith Alan who just learned they will take his arm in surgery.
Pray/Hope/DontWorry-St. Padre Pio : 11/13/2009
Dear Mr. Mascara, Thank you for having the courage to speak about your miracle healing. May God continue to bless you.
Judge Mascara: Man of Faith, Hope and Love : 11/14/2009
Linda's touching article detailing the cancer journey of a judicial leader has renewed my spirit and will continue to foster hope for cancer victims and their caregivers. With strength and determination, the judge deonstrates how to live with or without cancer.May his family continue to be blessed and those he serves, may his witness bless them. Amen
Praise God frome Whom ALL Blesings flow : 11/14/2009
I praise God not only for the healing of this promanent citizen but for his courage to stand firm and give God the glory in such a "politically correct" time.So many true believers today are afraid to give God the Glory for fear of ridicule which is exactly how the enemy is winning, by making us the Silent Majority. It is time for all Christians to arise and become the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. May we all continue to give God the Father, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit continual acknowledgment for their grace, mercy, love and Power in each and every aspect of our lives. If more people in powerful positions had the courage this man does our country would be in much better shape. The Lord Jesus Chrisy and God the Almighty is what our country was founded on to bein with.
Lucky Guy : 11/21/2009
God is not a genie. You don't pray for god to grant your wishes. If so, why do children drown in septic tanks filled with human waste? There is no "plan" and nothing is "meant to be." This guy was lucky, or perhaps, there was some kind of mistake in the initial or subsequent testing. Why must we attribute things we can't explain to a "god"? It's foolish.
Carcinoid Cancer in Lungs/Spine/Left Thigh Bone : 12/31/2009
Praise God for the miracle He gave to Judge Mark Mascara. When I received the article from the Washington Observer from my sister Linda who lives in Washington, I cried. My tears were for the miracle and not because I was sad. I too have cancer. I pray daily and have given my request to God and I know He will come through for me. I just want to say to the Judge, keep the faith and never doubt God because He has the last say and whatever His will for me and for all of His children we will obey.
