Vinorelbine in Treating Older Women With Stage IV Breast Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IV breast cancer * Eligible to receive first- or second-line chemotherapy * At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion * At least 20 mm in longest diameter * Must be completely outside prior irradiation port unless there is proof of progressive disease after completion of prior radiotherapy * No untreated brain metastases * Current metastatic CNS disease allowed only if previously treated and clinically stable at study entry * No meningeal carcinomatosis * Hormone receptor status: * Not specified PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 65 and over Sex: * Female Menopausal status: * Not specified Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Total bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) OR * Direct bilirubin normal if total bilirubin elevated or less than 2.5 times ULN because of Gilbert's syndrome Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2 times ULN Other: * No grade 2 or greater peripheral neuropathy * No other significant medical condition that would preclude study * No active infection within the past 2 weeks * No dysphagia or inability to swallow intact capsules PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic disease * No prior vinca alkaloids * At least 4 weeks since other prior chemotherapy and recovered Endocrine therapy: * Prior hormonal therapy allowed * No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * No prior radiotherapy to 25% or more of bone marrow * At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: * At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery