DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed breast cancer Metastatic disease and/or axillary node or chest wall recurrence following mastectomy diagnosed at least 3 months since prior adjuvant chemotherapy Radiologic scans required No inflammatory carcinoma of the breast without metastases (i.e. T4d M0) No previously untreated inflammatory carcinoma of the breast (T4d) No recurrent breast cancer diagnosed less than 3 months since prior adjuvant chemotherapy No history or evidence of CNS (brain or leptomeningeal) metastases Hormone receptor status: Not specified