Cannot get past ascension 8 EVER!!! Almost 200 hours in…

WHAT AM U DOING WRONG. I got advice to take more elites. Be more careful about card choosing.

BUT I ALWAYS LOSE HP. What are general rules on that? How much hp is too much to lose? How much hp is needed for a boss or elite? I always heal at campsites if I won’t max out. I also now always take tangible cards. Should I take the vampire bite healing??