OBJECTIVES: I. Estimate the maximum tolerated dose of paclitaxel in combination with high-dose carboplatin/cyclophosphamide followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell support in women with stage IV breast cancer. II. Assess the nonhematologic toxic effects associated with this combination. III. Assess the response rate, duration of response, and survival in chemotherapy-sensitive women with metastatic breast cancer treated with this regimen.