all I would say, is don't simply rush headlong into the fray. make lots of potions and use them.
take your time with the fights, If you've ever played dark souls. you should start treating the Witcher more like that. where each battle could mean your life. make good use of your signs and traps/bombs.
but loading and saving every 10 seconds is all part of it too
sometimes you cannot avoid certain death. just be patient.
Good luck and happy witchering!