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