Can't quite make out the enemy in the second photo. Is it the ball and chain guy or one of those Giants?
For me, when I left the game back in April last year, I was using the Kirkhammer and Hunter's Axe - both strong, slow weapons.
However I found combat much more forgiving when I switched to the Saw Spear or whatever it was. It helped that this weapon scaled with skill and my character build, but the fact that the weapon was fast suited my playing style.
With slow weapons you tend to have to be more considerate when you attack, as your attacks are slower coming out, so I would get punished quite a lot. It leaves you slow to react and is a more precise, heavy-hitting weapon. I prefer fast ones, as I can dart in, slash them a few times, and dart back out. If I whiff one, I don't necessarily get a world of pain on me either.
Anyway, I am just up to R
om.
I have heard that beaten him progress things a little so I have been tidying up loose ends, including finally beating D
arkbeast P
aarl.
I have the item that lets me get past the invisible hand in Cathedral Ward. Should I do that bit before the boss battle?
Also, regarding the clinic: