The last summoner I played used summons throughout. Bosses were a problem, but I did survive to merciless I believe. Don't remember what killed her. 
Your zombies will die a lot regardless, but it's manageable with minion flasks. A +1 (iLVL 14) and later +2 (iLVL 65) minion gem helmet helps a lot as well. Also, don't rely 100% on them for damage if you go summoner from the beginning. They will die and then you'll be defenseless.
				
			Your zombies will die a lot regardless, but it's manageable with minion flasks. A +1 (iLVL 14) and later +2 (iLVL 65) minion gem helmet helps a lot as well. Also, don't rely 100% on them for damage if you go summoner from the beginning. They will die and then you'll be defenseless.
 
	 
				 R
R I'm so ready.
 I'm so ready.
 
	 
	 
	 
	