OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the feasibility of high dose doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, and amifostine in patients with high risk stage II/III and responsive stage IV advanced breast cancer. II. Determine the pharmacokinetic profile of paclitaxel administered with amifostine in this regimen in these patients. III. Assess the toxicity of this treatment regimen in this patient population.