You top the grow shoots...not the whole damn stem.

When topping you take the newest set of baby leaves growing right from the middle.

Thats all you top.

I hope you really didnt top all the growth to node 4.

The leaving 1/4 to 1/2 of stem is generally for taking cuttings for clones.

NOt for topping.

Post a pic so we can see what you actually did.