PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF) during the first course of study therapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease Prior adjuvant chemotherapy allowed More than 1 year since prior paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, or carboplatin No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy to breast, chest wall, or axilla No prior radiotherapy to greater than 30% of bone marrow No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 4 weeks since prior major surgery and recovered Other: More than 7 days since prior IV antibiotics No concurrent experimental drugs