Pygame.mixer.channel.play() Redefining arguments during play

Question

I have found that, in my use case, the only way to change the LOOPS argument is to make it a variable, change the variable, then re-send the .play(). This has the undesired effect of restarting the sound from the beginning. I am trying to get a sound to loop infinitely, then on a trigger play to the end of the file and stop. I may be completely barking up the wrong tree, so if there is a better way to do it im all ears.

I have tried changing the variable and re-sending it. I have tried .pause() and unpause() but they dont cause the initial play command to re-read the variable. I have no idea what it is doing in the background to make this all happen.