OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are stratified by disease (stage IIIB vs stage IV) and performance status (0 vs 1). Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms (Arm I now closed). Arm I: Patients receive docetaxel IV over 1 hour on day 1 followed by gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15. (closed as of 8/31/1999) Arm II: Patients receive docetaxel IV over 1 hour and gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1 and 15. Arm III: Patients receive docetaxel IV on day 1 and gemcitabine IV on days 1, 8, and 15. Patients continue treatment every 28 days for a maximum of 6 courses in the absence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Patients with either stable disease or complete/partial response who discontinue treatment after 4-6 courses may be eligible for NCCTG-97-24-51. Quality of life is assessed before treatment and before each course of therapy. Patients are followed every 3 months for 1 year, then every 3 months for 5 years.