Dear Dr. Gott: Just recently was the fourth anniversary of a life-altering occurrence in our family. A recent column of yours prompted me to write to you in the hope that someone else can be spared the pain we went through because it was missed early on.

Several people have written to you complaining of tingling or numbness in their fingers and hands.

You, as well as my late husband's primary care physician, offered as a first reaction the possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome, which very well might be the case in some instances. A pinched nerve also comes to mind.

Please encourage your readers to get prompt and detailed testing, whether by CT scan, MRI or X-rays.

My husband was treated for four months for carpal tunnel, given prescription Motrin and went otherwise untested, allowing a very aggressive and ultimately fatal glioblastoma multiforme to grow unchecked.

There were no other symptoms, such as headaches, vision loss or paralysis at first, but by the time it was discovered (as a result of a grand mal seizure and motor vehicle accident), the progression of the tumour was such that surgery, chemotherapy and radiation all proved fruitless. He was gone in 10 months, at 48 years of age.

If preliminary testing and early detection saves even one life from this insidious disease, it will be worth the effort taken to write this letter.

Please, please, insist that readers take their symptoms to their doctors right away and insist that these tests be done.

If nothing serious is found, no harm is done. If nothing is done and something serious is not found, disaster can result. The possibility of these symptoms being the result of a brain tumor shouldn't be discounted.

Dear reader: I was very sorry to learn of your tragic experience.

Brain tumours are very serious. And you're right. If your letter can save even one life, it is worthwhile.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing with respect to the no-flour, no-sugar diet.

I have tried this diet in the past and have lost 50 pounds. It does work!

My question is concerning breakfast options. I do not have a microwave available, so it would have to be something cold. What would you suggest for eating at my desk?

Dear reader: In my book, 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' (available at most bookstores or on www.amazon.com), I address the menu issue and provide recipes for weight loss.

In your case, cold breakfast cereal — with or without fresh fruit — would be a good no-flour option.

Also, you might consider sliced veggies as a snack at your desk.

Most supermarkets now have an all-natural, organic section. Here, you can often find no-flour, no-sugar cold cereals, fruit bars and more. Or you may wish to try preparing simple, to-go breakfasts that you can store in the refrigerator.

This option means you don't have to take the time to prepare anything. Just open the container or bag and breakfast is served.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the new book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores. If readers would like to contact Dr. Gott, they may write to him at Dr. Gptt c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016.