I have stage 3 breast cancer i am taking chemo to shrink the mass but i do not want my breast removed?

Maybe: Hopefully you will have a good response to the chemotherapy & the tumor will shrink. Follow up closely with your oncologist. If the tumor shrinks considerably there could be a chance at lumpectomy surgery instead of mastectomy. But don't risk your life by choosing an inferior treatment either.

It does not have to : If your cancer shrinks after taking chemotherapy, you might be able to avoid a mastectomy if your doctotr believes that your breast can be saved. But it requires the tumor to decrease in size considerably so that you can have a lumpectomy and still hvae enough left behind to have a good cosmetic result. Ask your onciologist/surgeon for advice and guidance and let him/her know your wishes to save y.