PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 59 Menopausal status: Not specified Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: Ejection fraction at least 50% by MUGA No history of congestive heart failure No uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias Other: No other prior malignancy except squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma of the skin, noninvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, or cervical dysplasia No prior motor or sensory neuropathy grade 2 or higher Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception