PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer or non-breast cancer. At least 12 months since nontaxane containing adjuvant chemotherapy for primary tumor (in patients with metastatic disease). Prior adjuvant chemotherapy with anthracycline containing regimens allowed (provided total doxorubicin dose did not exceed 240 mg/m2). Endocrine therapy: At least 4 weeks since adjuvant hormone or hormone therapy for metastatic disease (at least 2 weeks for rapidly progressive disease). No concurrent hormonal birth control. Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy. Prior breast radiotherapy following lumpectomy allowed. No radiotherapy to greater than 30% of bone marrow. No prior left chest wall radiotherapy with anthracycline containing adjuvant chemotherapy. Surgery: Not specified.