PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 16 and over Sex: Female Menopausal status: Not specified Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than the upper limit of normal (ULN) AST/ALT no greater than 1.5 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN (no greater than 5.0 times ULN if AST/ALT normal) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: Left ventricular ejection fraction at least 50% at rest by MUGA or echocardiogram No congestive heart failure No angina pectoris (even if controlled) No myocardial infarction within the past year No uncontrolled arrhythmia No uncontrolled hypertension Other: No active infection No grade 2 or greater symptomatic peripheral neuropathy No significant neurologic or psychiatric disorder, including dementia or seizures No peptic ulcer, unstable diabetes mellitus, or other contraindication to dexamethasone No prior malignancy except nonmelanomatous skin cancer or excised carcinoma in situ of the cervix Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception Geographically accessible