OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the complete and partial response in multiple myeloma patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells supported by high dose carmustine and melphalan followed by consolidation therapy with cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone/etoposide/cisplatin (DCEP) and paclitaxel/cisplatin. II. Evaluate the incidence of early death in comparison with historical data in this patient population. III. Evaluate the feasibility of chemotherapy with DCEP and paclitaxel/cisplatin following autotransplantation in these patients.