Yes, cut back the entire stem.

A node it where a leaf joins a stem. You might find that the yellow leaves can be pulled off rather than cut. Try a firm downward tug. A dead leaf often breaks off at the natural join with the stem whereas cutting can leave a stub. Wash your hands after handling this plant. It can irritate the skin. And definitely don’t put your fingers near your mouth.

you can also just cut the leaf back to about an inch or two ... and let that little stub dry... until it easily detaches from the main plant ...

no plant holds its leaves forever ... usually .. annually.. the oldest leaves are shed .. its the natural cycle .. so dont freak out when it happens ...

and in times of stress ... older leaves can also be sacrificed ... just get thing back to normal.. and remove the leaves ...

words: ... the leaf is usually attached to the main plant.. by a petiole ... https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffcm&q=petiole&ia=web

i think you called it a stem .. not a big deal.. just noting a new word ...

there is a houseplant forum.. though i have no idea if its active ...

well.. this is your first plant .. clean it up.. and go get another... and another.. etc ... lol ..

its called a dumb cane for a reason ... find the real name ... and find out why its called that ...

when researching.. the latin name usually gets you better info ... its over there in the right margin box: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffcm&q=dumb+cane&ia=web

ken

Thank you for your answers!!