PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Chemotherapy No concurrent interleukin-11 Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent chemotherapy Prior chemotherapy with bone marrow progenitor support (bone marrow transplant and/or peripheral blood stem cell support) allowed in adjuvant setting only (not for metastases) Endocrine therapy: Prior hormone therapy for breast cancer allowed No concurrent hormones allowed except for non-cancer or cancer treatment related conditions (e.g. insulin for diabetes) No concurrent dexamethasone or other steroidal antiemetics Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: Prior bisphosphonate therapy allowed if started at least 3 months before study No initiation of bisphosphonate therapy during study