Hi @D2Dizzy,
There is a gel you can buy to put in your mouth that helps a bit with dryness qnd taste. Its called biotene oral balance. I found it helpful, i was worried id get decay as i was sucking lollies all night before i found this gel.
Also, i definately was ready to run away first chemo. My husband was allowed to stay with me to stop me running. I have a blood phobia and dont like medical things. Once I had the first and had a port i was in a better place to deal with it. Ive also had similar experiences for surgery. My surgeon knows and gets me in first so the anxiety doesnt build up.
Hope all is well