I'm so sorry to hear that your plants have been affected by mealybugs and root rot. It sounds like you've been working hard to care for them, but sometimes even the best care isn't enough to prevent pests and diseases.
I'm glad that you were able to salvage some of the plants by taking cuttings. It's always a good idea to have some extra plants on hand, just in case something happens to the main plant.
I'm sure you're feeling a bit discouraged right now, but I hope you'll keep trying. With a little care and attention, I'm sure your plants will recover and thrive.
RE: From three to nine!