Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed stage IV carcinoma of the breast

- HER-2 negative

- 0 or 1+ DAKO (2+ DAKO allowed if fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH]
negative)

- Weak or no staining on immunohistochemistry test

- No amplification by FISH

- No effusions or ascites as only site of disease

- No brain or CNS disease or metastases

- Hormone receptor status:

- Not specified

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

- Not specified

Sex:

- Female

Menopausal status:

- Not specified

Performance status:

- Zubrod 0-2

Hematopoietic:

- Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3

- Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic:

- Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN)

- SGOT or SGPT no greater than 1.5 times ULN

- Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN

Renal:

- Not specified

Other:

- No clinically significant pre-existing grade 2 or greater motor or sensory peripheral
neuropathy unless due to cancer

- No known sensitivity to E. coli-derived proteins

- No prior severe hypersensitivity reaction to drugs formulated with polysorbate 80

- No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or
squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or adequately treated
stage I or II cancer currently in complete remission

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Negative pregnancy test

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

- Not specified

Chemotherapy:

- No prior chemotherapy other than 1 prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy program
for primary disease

- At least 6 months since prior chemotherapy

- Prior adjuvant anthracycline allowed

- No prior taxanes (docetaxel or paclitaxel)

Endocrine therapy:

- Prior adjuvant hormonal therapy for metastatic disease allowed

- No concurrent hormonal therapy

Radiotherapy:

- At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy

Surgery:

- At least 2 weeks since prior surgery and recovered