If your'e wondering how long a succulent cutting can survive, many can last a pretty long time. I think the statistic is that most cacti (and some other lower % of succulents) can lose up to 80% of their water volume and recover without adverse effects to the plant. It may be 60%, but don't quote me on that. Prickly pear pads could probably survive around a couple months in more humid weather and at least one month in drier conditions.

For the O. ficus-indica pads I rooted, they started to shrivel a little, after 12 days. Opuntia cuttings will last a pretty long time!

-Kaegen

They can survive a pretty long time.
I live in hit dry southern california, and 3 opuntia pads of different kinds survived for about 7 months with out water, and putting out new roots. I got the pads in february and they just put out new pads now, and i watered them thoroughly