OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the complete and partial response rates to treatment with peripheral blood stem cell supported high dose carmustine and melphalan followed by consolidation therapy with dexamethasone/cyclophosphamide/etoposide/cisplatin (DCEP) and dexamethasone, paclitaxel, and cisplatin in patients with poor prognosis low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia and no greater than 12 months of prior standard therapy. II. Evaluate the incidence of early deaths (less than 60 days posttransplant) in comparison with historical experience in this patient population. III. Evaluate the toxicity of posttransplantation chemotherapy with DCEP and dexamethasone, paclitaxel, and cisplatin in these patients.