DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced breast cancer not eligible for (or patient refuses participation in) a higher priority phase III SWOG study Local stage IIIB/IV disease, i.e.: Inflammatory Fixed to chest wall Fixed to axillary lymph nodes Recurrent disease Metastatic disease Disease stable or responsive to standard dose systemic chemotherapy Measurable or evaluable disease required except: Unevaluable stage IV disease (beyond draining lymph nodes) eligible following surgical resection, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy Less than 30% bone marrow involvement on aspiration and biopsy No active brain metastases CT or MRI required unless asymptomatic and no history of brain metastases No large symptomatic pleural effusion